Rising towards a position of prominence in the UK rap scene, Sheffield rapper and producer Young Eman shines beyond his tender 18 years. With a sound that borrows from grime, electronica and drill into a cohesive and charismatic UK rap blend, the emerging MC has proven his worth this year with a smattering of hard hitting singles.
His debut single following signing for September Recordings, “Marri Member” is snappy and breezy in flow and tone, held down by a booming bass and crisp kit. The track was followed by “EAZI,” which features some nifty sample work and fills a similar sonic and rhythmic space as Pa Salieu or early J Hus. The latest cut, “Wicked N Bad,” is the most atmosphere-driven, with Eman flaunting his melodic nuance and off kilter delivery atop a murky instrumental palette.
We caught up with the young rapper, talking his Sheffield origins, his inspirations, and what to expect from him next.
Listen to “Wicked N Bad”…
Read the interview…
Where are your musical origins?
Growing up in Sheffield, I’d probably say the radio was where I first really paid attention to music like Skepta, Labyrinth, NDubz and even US artists such as Rae Sremmurd and Travis Scott. But more influential was my older brother: he has always made music. When I was in primary school I would watch him make beats and record on the studio floor when I should have been upstairs asleep in my room! Made my first beat at 11, recorded some bars on it, and the rest is history really.
Who influences your sound?
It’s a real mix you know, but I would probably say somewhere between Timberland, Travis Scott, Bnyx and Tame Impala. I’m always looking to find some feeling of euphoria in whatever I’m making. I want to be moved by the music in order to inspire the vocals. And in terms of my delivery, I would say Travis Scott for his vocal effects, Mostack for his pronunciation, Juice Wrld for his ability to convey feelings, Skepta for his wordplay and Tame Impala for his ability to simplify a message or metaphor. I think early Dizzee/Kanye were trendsetters in terms of rapping and producing their own ting.
What inspires your lyrical content?
Everyday life really: conversations, struggles, addictions, sleep patterns, the hustle, lessons I’ve been taught. I know people dealing with the same shit as me. If they like the content, and it helps them understand shit more, then I think that’s pretty cool.
How has your Sheffield upbringing shaped your artistry and you as a person?
We man from Sheffield got a different perspective on shit. I know the city given me the freedom to truly express myself in my music. Sheffield obviously got legendary status in terms of its musical icons. Everyone knows Arctic Monkeys and Pulp and they really done their ting and that. But that stuff belongs to another generation. I’m providing it for that next generation. It ain’t just a Sheffield thing either, I want every kid from any town around the UK to feel like they can make whatever music they wanna do.
Do you think it’s still more difficult to be successful as a UK rapper if you’re not from the capital?
The accent and lingo probably don’t help much! But it’s high time that new accents and lingo are being accepted in the scene. I think London obviously got a bigger scene and that, which makes it easier but that don’t stop me! In fact, I think being from outside has just given me more space to do something a bit different you know.
As an emerging artist, how has your industry experiences been so far?
I don’t give ‘the industry’ too much thought you know. I’m an artist. I know that making music is what I’m good at. I know there’s stuff you are meant to do and that but I kinda just do it my way. Imma do my thing and if other people be fucking with it then thats calm.
Who would you label yourself next to in the UK rap scene in terms of style and approach?
I’m probably closest sounding to that Young Eman Kid, he’s cold! Nah but for real, i feel in terms of sound it’s pretty unique. But if its man I am inspired by, I’m going to say Dizzee Rascal, Skepta, Lancey Foux, Fimiguerro, but with a Northern accent.
Talk us through the creation of the recent cut “EAZI?”
I remember in Year 12, it was prolly one of the most stressful and emotional times… so much was going on in life at the time so i didn’t really care about school and I just felt like the music was doing me way more good that school. Even when I was in school I was thinking about going home and recording music. On that particular day i remember running home and telling myself i’ve got to just make a madness, next thing you know i’m at my desk creating a beat, laying vocals down and 30 mins later “EAZI” was made. All my teachers and man getting onto me for bunking off school. Next thing you know, the songs on FIFA 24. Middles to all who never thought skipping school would take me far!
What’s the meaning behind the track?
“EAZI” is about people giving all dees excuses for why they don’t succeed. Reality is that, if you work, it’s Eazi. I flipped my dreams to actions – i pushed the start to take me there. I ain’t saying I’m there yet, but I’ve started.
You’ve had a strong run of singles recently, is there a body of work on route? What can we expect from that, if so?
I’ve got enough music for it now! but I wanna wait til people are truly ready for it. When it does though, it’s gonna change the scene… the music I got coming ain’t like nothing no one has ever heard before, so its only right I lead people up to it slowly!
What are your career goals?
Wouldn’t say career goals as such, but when I’m gone, I want people to have to say my name when talking about the greats. Actually, I always wanted to play a show on top of a mountain for some reason… why? It’s just cool init and i like nature. If it’s not that, then it would be to perform on a similar monument to the Tower of Babel – it’s where language had said to be first made. On another wave I would like to make an open world game based in Sheffield, soundtracked my me of course.
What do you hope 2024 will bring?
More understanding, more sharpness, more improvement, more blessings, more opportunities, more miracles from God, more success, more wealth and more importantly more health.