Back in 2017, Chicago artist YK Supe won over industry experts during Verizon’s and 300 Entertainment’s Freestyle 50 cypher contest. After beating out 9,000 contestants the rapper won $10,000 and a label deal with Kevin Liles’ 300 Entertainment. Overcoming the highs and lows of the industry he is now forging his own lane of artistry and business sav, bringing forth a solid plan to take Chicago’s music scene to the next level.
Following his latest EP entitled “I’m Proud of Me”, YK Supe sat down with Whats the Word for a candid conversation. Giving us insight into his creative process, plans for 2024, and establishing ownership for independent record label “Forever Way Records”.
What is your favorite thing about being an artist?
“My favorite thing about being an artist is between the creating and the performing. I opened for Gucci when he first got out. It was 7,000 people and to conquer the crowd and probably only about 300 people know me and for me to rock it and be felt. It felt better than having $10,000 in my hand. The creating and performing is something I can do forever.”
What are some things you need to work on as an artist?
“My skills. I know that I’m nice, but I can always be nicer. I know a lot about the business, but I can always know more. So, it’s really just keeping that never enough attitude.”
What was the defining moment that made you take music seriously?
“Winning the Freestyle 50 Challenge in 2017. I had just graduated college and seen complete strangers were taking a liking to my music. I decided to go from college straight to the music industry. I graduated then got my deal right after, no manager, no co-sign just straight raw talent.”
When did you launch “Forever Way Records” and what are your plans for the label?
“A year and a half ago I started to put the plan together. I got the trademark right when I saw ain’t nobody had it. Then I started moving pieces around. Making sure I had the right people on the label. That’s when found a studio and producing team.”
“I see us being like the next “QC” of Chicago. Just off the simple fact that its gon be an open-door policy no matter where you from in the city. We not only gon break artist but teach them the game and making that part of the curriculum. I wanna make the deals favorable because in my business mind I know music won’t be the only thing that can make me wealthy.”
What are some challenges that come with starting an independent label?
“The money. First things first you are putting up your own money. You are coming out of pocket and taking a risk. You get the rewards it’s all good but when it don’t work out that’s on you. Also, when you a hustler and you grinding you wanna get there as soon as you can get there. But doing it my way, I already had a singles deal and then I went to Roc Nation, and they offered a production deal. Then in 2021 I decided I wanted a distribution and marketing deal. I had to learn what it takes to get that.”
What does 2024 look like for YK Supe?
“It’s exciting because I don’t know what’s next. I know what I got and what’s locked in on the calendar and its already bussin. God be making stuff fall out the sky. I was on the flo and all I had was God. Then he was like boom here go, your following going up, here go some money here’s a deal. So, I’m excited cuz I feel like it’s gonna be big.“
To keep up with YK Supe’s latest music log onto www.yksupe.com
Jasmine "Jayy Marie" Morales is hip-hop journalist who focuses on culture related storytelling.
She has written for publications such as Slam Magazine, Kicks, Southside Weekly and Dazesummit.com.
In addition to writing celebrity profiles and reporting for numerous outlets, Jayy Marie is a correspondent on Whats the Word's weekly livestream.
