C. Young has a new video single out now called, “Santiago Came Home.” This track is as much a formal declaration as it is a welcome reminder that the rapper is still here and still talented as ever. In “Santiago Came Home,” C. Young tactfully samples Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” and the combination is fitting: this track is fire. C. Young (Chris Young) shocks with his ability to turn a phrase. He is a veritable dictionary, incredibly managing to rhyme at least three words with orange (foreign, boring, stormin’, possibly even mornin’…lost count there). His rhymes include the classic boasts and brags we look for in hip-hop, but C. Young is obviously self-aware and introspective /Who am I?/Just another rapper/Sayin’ I be like no other rapper/ I will battle Marshall Mathers/I will platinum, I will diamond/. All this lyrical excellence is over the song’s funky trap beats and electronic backdrops.
The track’s title, “Santiago Came Home” is a reference to the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a pivotal allegory for many readers. The main character goes on a long journey and upon his return found everything he was looking for right back where he started. The journey was still necessary. The journey is the thing that makes you what you are. C Young’s been all around and he’s performed with so many people. He’s back now doing what he does best. Back home.
The video itself is a blast. Directed by the talented singer/songwriter Natále, it stars Kisha, Aiferly, and Denise in some rad body paint. There’s interpretive dance and stunning close-up imagery. C. Young rolls his indica and they burn, burn, burn hundred dollar bills. A highlight is watching someone off-screen shove crumb cake in C. Young’s face as he raps, /Getting bread isn’t dead/but I don’t mind a crumb cake/cause I was raised in a city where you get jumped quick at that beach./
Obviously, you should never read the comments…but the comments from C. Young’s fans on the “Santiago Came Home” video on YouTube prove that they are thrilled he’s back. Some of these fans have been listening and supporting C. Young for over a decade and still, they’re praising his originality and they’re hungry for more.
It is encouraging and inspiring to see an artist that’s excited about the prospect of evolving and moving their work forward. It’s a creative risk, but one that every musician has to take to remain relevant. This track is as heavy as it is fresh. C. Young is constantly reinventing himself and I know his fans are psyched that he’s putting out more music very soon.
Exclusive Interview
How does it feel to see fans of yours from over a decade ago still excited that you’re putting out new material?
I believe that’s the power of a music video. I’ve been putting out audio releases via social media/youtube for quite sometime now. It wasn’t until I shot a video that I started to see comments like, he’s back! etc. It seems like a visual is a sign of really putting yourself out there as an artist. For the few who have followed my music over the last few years, they know what I’m capable of doing as an artist.
My next goal is to reintroduce that music to the masses. I have songs that have aged very well and would still sound new in this era. Looking forward to more people discovering my style. I’m grateful for every person that my music can reach. i miss the days when blogs really helped expose artists to an audience willing to listen. I hope society can create more outlets for creativity. There’s only so much you can do in a TikTok.
The experience of an album is what I live for. How can I find a way to draw people towards listening to bodies of work? There’s no limits to what the power of music can do. I put a lot of effort into what I do musically but I’ve never had the ability to market certain projects how I’d like to. For the chosen few who have heard me, I’m glad they have been showing support.
You mention wanting to have a catalog that allows you to tour with as many artists as possible. Who would you most like to tour with? What’s the weirdest act you could see yourself touring with?
I’d love to go on tour with The Weeknd. I’d probably end up performing for a lot of beautiful women. Can’t be mad at that. The weirdest act I could see myself touring with is Tierra Whack. She’s got that good weird vibe to her. I feel like we’d be an awesome collaboration of art. And yes that is true, I created a catalog that would allow me to reach people with different tastes. I know I have a song for everyone. My album Mood Swing is the main body of work that I perform. If you get a chance, type in C. Young- Mood Swing on all platforms and give it a listen.
What are some of the more recent influences that have sparked creativity for your new material?
I’ve been influenced by the lack of creativity in the culture. I see so much room for what I do because of the lack of it if that makes any sense. I’m sure there’s creative ideas I don’t know about but as far as what I see at the forefront, there is a desire for change. I’ve always been a catalyst of change. I’m always ahead of the curve. There’s something unique about my style that helps me stand out whenever I rap. If I keep sharing my light, it’s going to sweep away all the darkness we’ve been facing. I can feel it in my bones.
Do you see yourself in Santiago, the protagonist in The Alchemist?
Yes I do. Very much so. Santiago was a lover. Santiago was a seeker. Santiago learned from the people on his path. Pay attention to the signs ya know? That’s me all day.
The lyrics seem to just flow through you! Where do the rhymes come from?
My rap style is my 2nd language. If I could communicate only through rhymes, I’d probably make better points. It’s apart of my Godself. When I’m rapping I’m living out my source energy. When I dig deep, I can raise the hairs on your arms just from channeling the god within. There’s so much to be said and sometimes nothing needs to spoken at the same time. That’s where I often find myself taking breaks from rapping. I want to make sure what I create has purpose. If I’m starting to feel like I’m repeating myself, I just take a break and become silent. I rest and I detach until that stillness turns into thunder and lightening and the creative storm unveils itself.
About C. Young
C. Young has a new video single out now called, “Santiago Came Home.” This track is as much a formal declaration as it is a welcome reminder that the rapper is still here and still talented as ever. In “Santiago Came Home,” C. Young tactfully samples Ellie Goulding’s “Burn” and the combination is fitting: this track is fire. C. Young (Chris Young) shocks with his ability to turn a phrase. He is a veritable dictionary, incredibly managing to rhyme at least three words with orange (foreign, boring, stormin’, possibly even mornin’…lost count there). His rhymes include the classic boasts and brags we look for in hip-hop, but C. Young is obviously self-aware and introspective /Who am I?/Just another rapper/Sayin’ I be like no other rapper/ I will battle Marshall Mathers/I will platinum, I will diamond/. All this lyrical excellence is over the song’s funky trap beats and electronic backdrops.
The track’s title, “Santiago Came Home” is a reference to the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, a pivotal allegory for many readers. The main character goes on a long journey and upon his return found everything he was looking for right back where he started. The journey was still necessary. The journey is the thing that makes you what you are. C Young’s been all around and he’s performed with so many people. He’s back now doing what he does best. Back home.
The video itself is a blast. Directed by the talented singer/songwriter Natále, it stars Kisha, Aiferly, and Denise in some rad body paint. There’s interpretive dance and stunning close-up imagery. C. Young rolls his indica and they burn, burn, burn hundred dollar bills. A highlight is watching someone off-screen shove crumb cake in C. Young’s face as he raps, /Getting bread isn’t dead/but I don’t mind a crumb cake/cause I was raised in a city where you get jumped quick at that beach./
Obviously, you should never read the comments…but the comments from C. Young’s fans on the “Santiago Came Home” video on YouTube prove that they are thrilled he’s back. Some of these fans have been listening and supporting C. Young for over a decade and still, they’re praising his originality and they’re hungry for more.
It is encouraging and inspiring to see an artist that’s excited about the prospect of evolving and moving their work forward. It’s a creative risk, but one that every musician has to take to remain relevant. This track is as heavy as it is fresh. C. Young is constantly reinventing himself and I know his fans are psyched that he’s putting out more music very soon.
LINKS:
https://twitter.com/cyoungraps
https://instagram.com/chrisyoungraps
https://facebook.com/chrisyoungraps
