triple j’s Richard Kingsmill is a fan, he was featured in Acclaim’s The New Locals and was named FBi Radio’s Independent Artist of the Week; the world is ready for Yibby.
The 20-year-old hip hop wunderkind’s Lost in Translation EP is just the beginning. With new tracks like ‘Poke’ featuring fellow breakout Raj Mahal, plus EP songs ‘Woah’ and ‘Talk’, Yibby’s chameleon-like aggression and delivery makes his coming-of-age tales that much more important.
To find out more about what makes Yibby tick, check out the Q&A below:
Get To Know: Yibby
How did your artist name come about?
My government name is actually Yibeltal but people have always just called me Yibby so I went with that. My name by default really.
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
Hahah I think my Grandma thinks I dance actually but she knows what rap is, so I’d just say it’s rap. I’d tell her its old school but with some new touches.
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
All of the tracks I have out at the moment have one-word titles, which is interesting, I guess.
I usually just choose what sticks out to me about the song and go with that for the title; ‘Woah’, ‘Talk’, ‘Folk’ etc… ‘Poke’ is my latest one, it’s about letting people know what you’re about, prodding them to get their attention (laughs).
Stream ‘Poke’ ft. Raj Mahal below:
What do you love about your hometown?
Mainly the people to be honest but I think we have a nice city too, also Sydney’s diverse for the most part so we get a lot of good food. I’m big on Gozleme at the moment.
Career highlight so far?
I’d say the first tour has been a major one, but just the little things have been really tight too. First show, first time on radio and definitely my first time on Rage because I always watched it as a kid.
Fave non-music hobby?
I’m into fashion but it’s hard on my wallet (laughs). Me and my friends are working on some pieces at Most Undesired too. Aside from that I watch a lot of youtube and play a little basketball and 2k.
What’s on your dream rider?
I’m trying to get some traditional Ethiopian on a rider one time!
Dream music collaboration?
I still think Teddy Afro would be wild on a hook. There’s a lot though. A Kanye session would be crazy.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Hopefully I’ve got a couple of albums out by then, I’ll be 30 – damn!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
I’ve never really done karaoke but from the Sing Star days I’d say Marvin Gaye ‘Ain’t Know Mountain High Enough’ is lowkey my go-to.
Stream Lost in Translation below:
