Young Onassis is here to declare his place in the rap game. Being Nigerian, the songwriter, producer, and rapper brings that “flavor,” combining street elements with the truth. In fact, his name is inspired by Aristotle Onassis, one of the richest men in the world. Through his music, he embodies that hustler, grindmode mentality proving you can do anything you set your mind to. Read more…

It was in 2016 when Onassis unleashed his first EP titled O independently, which was well-received by fans and colleagues. Fast forward to 2019, Onassis returns with his brand new single titled “Rolls Royce Umbrella, teaming up with producer Yung Lan (Blac Youngsta Booty, Gucci Mane, NBA Youngboy).

Being from Phoenix, how does that play into your life and career?
It’s crazy because I’m from a smaller town. It’s not LA so you have big aspirations to do big things and it gives you a real hunger. A real spirit to really want to prove yourself and to make yourself known because you’re coming from an underdog state.

How important is it to come to LA as an up and coming artist?
It’s everything because this is where the industry is, and this is where Shirley is. This is where you have to come and meet the people that are actually making things happen. It’s important, at least to make a stop.

What is your favorite part about the West Coast?
The culture. I love the entrepreneurial grind and spirit on the West Coast, compared to places in the South or places with people of color. People in the South are still grinding and getting it but in other rural areas, you don’t have that so much. Out here, people are getting it. The weather is good, the food is good, the weed is good. Shout out @gascola.

What inspired “Rolls Royce Umbrella”?
My pastor [laughs]. It’s funny because the concept, shout out Pastor Craig Phoenix. He was one of those well-to-do pastors, but he had a Rolls-Royce and he let the kids get in it. He let us play with the umbrella. I remember thinking “oh my god, this is crazy.” That always stuck with me. When I heard this beat, me and my manager Hawk were playing with ideas in the song. The idea Rolls-Royce umbrella just came to me, I’m like “this could be a dope way to talk about uber luxury.” It’s an aspirational song. The title is unique, I haven’t heard a song like it yet.

Talk about working with producer Yung Lan.
That was amazing, I’m a huge fan of his work. I was excited to have him stamp me like “yeah this is your record, you could rock with it.” Getting his response and his support, co-produced by 1HundredBandKilo. Working with them has been great, I’m excited to see what we do next.

What is it you want fans to get from your story?
I want fans to get from my story that you can do it too. Us artists, we’re just like you. I want people to see me and think “okay he’s somebody that’s from the block, he’s from the streets. But he still is able to make something of himself.” I want them to see me and know that I’m one of them. Just to go for yours at all times, unapologetically.

What are some goals yourself as an artist at this point of your career?
Goals for myself are just to continue to build my fanbase. To do more shows, I’m performing at some spots coming up. Also to release more music, more videos, more content. Just to get my eyes and ears on what I’m doing.

Are you signed?
Not at the moment. I’m still rocking independent but I’ve been getting a lot more support from industry friends and colleagues, etc. It’s helped with what I’m doing now.

How’s the independent grind?
The independent grind is a grind. I always try to tell other artists and people, it’s a lifestyle. [chuckles] It’s not for play, you have to be about this. I’m just thankful for these opportunities. I’m continuing to push, always making sure I’m always putting a foot forward. That’s the key, not being stagnant.

Who’s in your Top 5?
I was having this discussion the other day, that’s a tough one. For sure Jay Z. This is for me and just overall impact, I’ma say Jay. This might sound crazy to some but fuck it, I’ma go ahead and throw my dude Chamillionare in there just because of the influence he had on me personally. There’s tons of artists, but I have to put him in there because of his impact on me as a kid. I’ma say Nas, Jeezy… let’s throw in fucking Snoop.

Why Snoop?
Being from Nigeria and a worldwide impact, Snoop is hella recognized out there. Globally, just his longevity and ability to reinvent himself time after time. He’s well respected on every coast for sure.

How important is social media for your career?
Completely honest, it’s pretty important at this stage. Going into 2020, it’s what it is. Artists need to have a presence. You need to be active, you need to engage with people. I think you need to be a little bit open. That’s been harder for people but we’re getting used to it: being vulnerable, posting and letting people into our lives.

Who’s your favorite person to follow on IG?
I like following inspirational people, people who post shit that’s inspiring. I like funny shit. I like Floyd’s page because he can be inspiring, it’s very flossy. I’ve never had this question before, that’s a good one. 50 Cent… more so funny shit. I like following Michael Blackson‘s page, shit like that.

What’s a normal day in the life? Walk us through.
Normal day in life for me, aw man. Today: got up, ate some breakfast. Sparked up a little something as a pre-breakfast meal. Might go to the gym, be active a little bit. Get that going. Maybe start working on music because I’m either in writing or producing, so I’ll sit down and start cooking shit up. By the evening time, cooking up at home then head to the studio.

3 things you need in the studio?
You need water at minimum, AC, and good weed. [chuckles]

What would you be doing if you weren’t doing music?
Truly, I’d probably be an A&R or something. I’d probably be a manager. I always knew I was going to be involved. I did some time in college studying Business because I knew like “okay I’m going to at least be an A&R or a manager, or business marketing something!” I would’ve been behind-the-scenes.

What’s the best encounter you had with a fan?
At this point, a fan coming up to me telling me they love my shit and asking me to sign their arm. That was beautiful. It’s been amazing.