Today, we’d like to introduce you to Yung Squalla.
Hi Yung, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well I was born, Brandon Smith, and raised in the “DMV”. born April 4th, 1993, in Washington, DC, at Washington Hospital Center. Around the age of 3 or 4, my mom, Brenda Smith, moved us out to PG County, Maryland, in a city known as upper Marlboro. I lived in upper Marlboro until adulthood.
My biggest dream in life was to become the greatest rapper there ever was. The first hip hop song I can remember hearing is “Thuggish Ruggish Bone” by bone thugs n harmony. At that point, you can say I was very intrigued. But then, once I saw Lil’ Bow Wow, that’s when I knew for sure hip hop was definitely for me, and at the time, I may have been easily 8 or 9 years old. At that age, I began to write songs and poems. Fast forward to 16–17-year-old me. Around this age, I started taking music very seriously. I was linked with a guy named Tez from Ohio. He was on a similar path, so we linked and created a rap collective known as New Era. Over time, Tez taught me a lot about how Dos and Donts on the engineering and production side of it.
He also encouraged my rap style, before I met Tez my rapping was good, but I was more reserved, timid even. After I met Tez, I became one of the loudest, strongest voices and lyricists in the entire group. For a long time, it was just me, Tez, and a few guys from the neighborhood who would pop in and out every once in a while. Over time, Tez and I started recruiting talented people to build the collective. The brand quickly was rebranded from a new era to the Gwopgang (2gz). The brand remains til this day, along with partner brands get their creations (GTC).
GTC is my brand that was made for a clothing line o was attempting to launch but it quickly became the brand name for everything I do. After not much success in the rap game, I shied away from the music scene for a long while. I went through a very rough time shortly after as well. Being homeless, broke, and a thief. I was at the very bottom at that point. But I persevered through it and came out ok. Fast forward again. It’s now the year 2019, covid19 years.
I decided to create a podcast with the influence of young Pharoah and Noreage. The “Always Everything with Yung Squalla Podcast.” Where we always discuss everything. The purpose of my podcast was to expose truths on covid 19 and to also offer people an alternative way of thinking. My podcast is still about offering a new perspective and ideas, but it’s also meant to inform and entertain.
Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The main obstacles in my journey were not based on outside factors.
My lack of consistency, confidence, time, and money were and are my main obstacles today. I overcome these obstacles by just keeping going, never being upset at myself, but learning and growing from every experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe you can tell us more about your work next?
I do a lot of things, I can produce and compose music, I can write heartfelt poetry, I can make an entire music production from music to vocals, I can repair cell phones, and I own, host, manage and produce a podcast.
This is why it is so hard for me to commit to just one thing. I can and will do it all. I am most proud of my talent for making music and poetry. They are the easiest for me to do, and I create quality work. My work can speak for itself—Google me—Yung Squalla.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
First, I want to thank my mother. She is the reason I am even here today. She gave me life and moved from DC to Maryland, she offered me an opportunity. A chance to live.
Next, I want to thank my boy Tez. He taught me a lot about production, engineering, and more. Knowledge that I’ve applied in many things outside of just music.
Finally, I want to thank anyone who has ever clicked on my music or listened to my podcast. I want to thank everyone who ever supported me in any way.
Shout out to the universe and my spirit guides. Keeping me protected throughout my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: Linktree.com/AlwaysSqualla
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alwayseverythingwithsqualla?igsh=MXUybWo0Mnl1bnBmYg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bj.the.Villan?mibextid=dGKdO6t
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AEWYungSqualla
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@alwayseverythingsqualla?si=xlh708G_PHtMvcHO
- Other: https://anchor.fm/alwayseverything
