Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?

Mic check 1,2,1,2…I go by the name Young Quael and I’m from Eastside of Atlanta, GA via Nashville, TN. I’m a music artist and songwriter with influences of hip hop, r&b, pop, rock and more in the style of music I create.

How do you feel about the Hip Hop scene in Tennessee? A small sect of you guys have obviously realized unity brings greater things landing a TN Stage at A3C Fest… I can tell you with confidence that moves like this were not happening in indie Mid-TN Hip Hop 5-10-even 15 years ago.

I’ve been rapping here over the last 2 and a half years and I can tell you we have came a long way. When it started it was a small scene few shows nobody really noticed except the inner circle of us. Now years later people see the wave we’ve all gotten better, grown over the time learned how to reach more markets, use different avenues to get our music out, and performed elsewhere to get the exposure we desperately need.

I can say myself recently I’ve been blessed to have daily radio play of my song BANDPLAY on 101.1 the Beat during primetime hours. Years ago unless you were a Starlito or a Young Buck they weren’t playing any local music at all. Times are changing with respect to Dolewite, DJ Twoee, Jones and more the DJs here they see the local grind and are creating avenues for the music to get heard now. It’s a NEW NASHVILLE. So were just pushing and working. Doing whatever we have to do to be heard.

We have started this #WeLARGE movement, which does represent the unity we have and support of each other. We finally realized we will make it together way faster than alone. Not me, not you, not I, but WE…. #WeLARGE

In my opinion, Kelly Hite doesn’t get enough shine for the amount of grind she’s been putting in over the years. How has she been shaping and affecting the Nashville Hip Hop scene from your point of view?

Anybody who knows, who is apart, or has experienced Nashville Hip Hop knows that Kelly Hite is Nashville hip-hop end of story. I personally have known Kelly since I began my music career from my very first blog post ever in breakonacloud.com I met her and Rob. They accepted me, my music and have been family ever since. I can really say they were one of the first who believed in me in Nashville.

I literally watch all the moves Kelly makes man she’s everywhere, really on her grind taking pics everywhere, every show. No photographer has a better hustle or harder grind than her. She gets the pics out to the world for them to see we out here working. And its not even just photography she genuinely has a love for the Nashville hip hop music scene, you can talk to her she personable,she gives great advice. I hang with her all the time because she’s a real friend. I know this stage is just the beginning for what she has up her sleeves, so for her to be one the hands in it I was like duh who else would do it. It just makes sense.

So on behalf of everybody man

THANK YOU KELLY HITE FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING US WE APPRECIATE AND LOVE YOU!

What was the last song you listened to?

“Never be Together” – Eric Bellinger

Who or what influenced/motivated you to walk this journey known as music? What’s been the biggest challenge you’ve faced since starting down this path?

Honestly I’ve been into music since I was younger, my grandfather is a professional Jazz Musician, and I just used to sing all the time when I was younger. I kind of left it alone and focused on sports, as I grew older, and focused on football and basketball in high school. I went to college to play football at Tennessee State University and then once I decided to be done with that, I kind of had a sense of emptiness in my life. I was almost lost I can say because I had so much time and I felt I had no identity no more or purpose. So I started back messing around with it rapping this time made a few songs, once people heard it said I was pretty decent I just decided to run with it.

One of the biggest challenges I faced since doing it is overcoming the feeling of seeking validation or approval from everybody else before I felt like my music was good. I would always ask people what they thought, what should I change, etc. I really had a lack of confidence in me. Then one day man I really woke up like man forget what anybody has to say this is my life, my art, my craft so whatever I create is good and nobody can tell me different. I really put all my faith in God and realized this was my purpose; this is what I’m meant to do. I can say to this day Music saved my life.

Where do you want to be in 10 years?

In 10 years I want to be the best hands down. I want my DJs to be the best and my peers too. and Not just specifically in rap for myself but in multiple aspects of song writing in all genres of music. As well as business wise too. I want to be multi faceted in the industry and able to create more opportunities for the people around me.

What should the audience expect from your performance at the A3C Tennessee Stage on October 11th?

They should expect the unexpected, simple.

What does this opportunity (A3C TN Stage) mean to you? How do you think it will affect your career from this moment forward?

A3C is big to me, the last 2 years I didn’t get in so it’s been on my list of goals of festivals to get on. So now I can cross it out as another goal accomplished. I look to make a big impression on whoever comes to the show and network with everybody there period. Hopefully make some connections to lead to bigger and better things.

Where can we connect with you online? Find your music?

• Twitter: @youngquael
  Instagram: youngquael
  soundcloud.com/youngquael
  reverbnation.com/youngquael
• http://mtv.com/artists/young-quael

Any last thoughts? Shout outs?

Shout out to God first off for everything man.

My family and friends for supporting, Kelly Hite and DJ MoneyGreen for having me apart of this event and thank you for interviewing me. I appreciate it all. #BLESSUP

“MAMA I LOVE YOU

P.O.P HOLD IT DOWN

PIMP SQUAD FOR LIFE!”