By The Hip Hop Writer
Hip Hop Vibe Staff Writer
Chicago has returned to the forefront of hip hop with Kanye West resurfacing to take over the rap game and Lupe Fiasco holding things down for well over a year. Many newcomers have enjoyed tremendous success, also, as Chief Keef and Rockie Fresh recently signed major label deals with Interscope Records and Maybach Music, respectively.
Youngg Offishall has been building buzz for some time. On the Chicago hip hop scene, Youngg Offishall is holding his own with the likes of King Louie and Chief Keef. Already having a deal with SODMG, Youngg Offishall decided to leave the label. Now, he has his own digital distribution deal with Island Def Jam for his Filthy Gwaup Gang.
With a new deal in place, Youngg Offishall is preparing his new mixtape, The Return of Offishall Soprano, which is hosted by DJ Tay Don’t Play, DJ Flexx, and DJ Fatz. Hip Hop Vibe recently spoke to Youngg Offishall. During the conversation, Youngg Offishall spoke on his work with DJ Tay Don’t Play, his new mixtape, and much more.
Read the entire interview below:
What inspired your latest mixtape, The Return of Offishall Soprano? Man, The Return of Offishall Soprano is street music. The city of Chicago is dominating the streets right now. I decided to let my return by known, I grew up watching “The Sopranos” and I am from the city of Al Capone. This mixtape is inspired by my life struggles and is hosted by DJ Tay Don’t Play, DJ Flexx, and DJ Fatz.
Who do you have, as far as features, on the new mixtape? I have a lot of up and coming Chicago artists. I also have Sy Ari Da Kid, Bo Deal from Brick Sqaud, and I might also add a song I have with Soulja Boy on the new mixtape. But, I am thinking about keeping this new mixtape all Chicago. Right now, I am loving the run Chicago is on. I have a lot of big things on the way. Look out for my crew, Filthy Gwuap Gang.
How long have you and DJ Tay Don’t Play been working together? Me and DJ Tay have been working together for about three years now.
Backing up a bit, you spoke on your song with Soulja Boy, how often to you collaborate with Atlanta artists? I frequently collaborate with Atlanta artists. Since I was signed to SODMG, I have a lot of ties in Atlanta, so I go back and forth between Chicago and Atlanta.
So, you’re no longer signed to SODMG? No, I bought out that contract and I am now signed to Island Def Jam, we have a digital distribution deal. My Working Hard: Getting Over Obstacles, Never Sleeping EP will drop on Island Records on January 13.
Being from Chicago, how do you feel about Lupe Fiasco’s statements about Chief Keef? I feel what he is saying, it’s dangerous. But, I’m not too much older than Chief Keef, I’m from this area and I understand. This is the side of Chicago Lupe did not want to show, even though he has lived it too. You also have to understand Lupe’s point of view too.
Would you ever collaborate with Lupe Fiasco? Of course. I still listen to the first Food & Liquor. It was a mixtape before it was an album. I would work with any Chicago artist because of where we came from, despite the different personalities. There are so many neighborhoods and mentalities coming out of Chicago, but we are from the same city, so I would definitely collaborate with Lupe Fiasco.
How do you feel about the Rockie Fresh signing with Maybach Music? It is a good look for the city. Since the emergence of Chief Keef, Rockie Fresh, and even the older artists like Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco, the people know Chicago has talent. Now, we know we do not have to leave Chicago to get a record deal. The Chicago hip hop scene is rising once again. Chicago does drill music, just like how Atlanta has trap music. Some people might be familiar if they ever heard of Chief Keef and King Louie.
Where can people find your older music? Go download the Jet Fuel mixtape from DatPiff.com and check out the clothing line, which is also called Jet Fuel.
