Who Is Multi-tiered Entertainer YOBi?
Back Story – YOBi is a full of life, magnetic personality and an avid poetry/writer with a natural ability to sing. The sounds of songstresses like Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige saturated her household growing up, inspiring her journey to capture the spotlight. YOBi developed her craft and later took NYC and Hot97 radio station by storm with her debut single “Painful War” ft rapper Maino, she then went on to work with The Lox & French Montana on “Set In Stone” and “The One” ft. Jim Jones, as well as working with Talib Kweli, to name a few. “In a lot of my songs, I like to be the blunt voice for women,” she states. “I like to say what I want and make empowering records, and not sound like every other artists out. Love, happiness, hate, I like to think I’m hitting all corners of the world.” YOBi’s life is run on a steady diet of music and performance as well as acting. YOBi’s aim is to be a voice for the masses. “I want listeners to identify and relate to me.” – Bio
The Hype Magazine caught up with the multi-tiered entertainer to talk about her journey, what’s happening now and what’s coming!
From the outside looking in, who is the artist and individual “YOBi”?…
Who is YOBi outside looking in? I’m a triple threat of singing, songwriting, and acting. A true student of the game with a heart of gold and the fearlessness of a lion.
What brought you to the entertainment industry and more specifically, music?…
What brought to music was true love. Since I was a baby I was in love with the Arts. All types of music were played in my house growing up from Anita Baker to Sting. I grew up writing poetry. One day I went to the nearest bodega and copped an instrumental mixtape. I put my poetry to the music and before I knew it, I had full songs written and a love affair began. I went to a studio with a friend, threw a few tracks on Twitter and eventually was found by an NYC DJ.
Tell us about your current project and what it means to you overall?…
My current project is my rebirth. I’ve done so much as an independent artist on my own that I’ve also grown so much. New feelings, new experiences, new ideas since you last saw me. I feel like I’ve come into my own now. Things I feared before I no longer fear. I think you will hear all of that in the new music.
Outside of your own tracks, what artists’ truly inspire you?…
The artist that truly inspire me would be in no particular order, Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Mary J Blige, Khelani, Keri Hilson.
What do you feel has been your greatest achievement so far in your career in the music entertainment industry?…
I believe my greatest achievement coming from NYC is when legendary Funk Master Flex dropped his signature bombs on my song while on the radio. That’s been a dream of mine and a NY staple.
Tell us a bit about your work and passions OUTSIDE of music…
Outside of music, I am a seasoned actress. I’ve been acting since I was a little girl. I started on a tv show at 4 years old called Romper Room which helped kick off my love for tv/film. I’ve acted in several theater productions off-Broadway as well as film, just completed my first feature film lead in the Sci-fi thriller “Hollows Ridge” due out late this year.
Last but not least, HYPE wants to know… What’s up next for YOBi?…
What’s up next for YOBi? I’m definitely coming with a sunglass line currently in development. Hoping to launch later this year “Damalee Eyewear,” lots of new music and videos on the horizon and of course a TV show near you 😉
Connect with YOBi
Instagram: @ThisIsYOBi
Twitter: @ThisIsYOBi
Facebook: @OfficialYOBimusic
About the Author
Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.
