S. Samuel
D12's Bizarre recently spoke on working with Interscope Records new artist Yelawolf and explained how the Southern rapper symbolizes Alabama.
Referencing their “To The Left” collaboration, Biz talked about coming into contact with Yela.
“Yelawolf, I had heard the song with him and Raekwon, and I heard the song with him and Juelz [Santana], so I liked his vibe,” Bizarre explained in an interview. “One day he came by the studio in Atlanta and we ended up just hookin’ up, and just doin’ a song. What I love about Yelawolf is that no matter who he gets on a song with, he represents the redneck, country, backwoods of Alabama. [Laughs] He’s just giving his point-of-view, on a lot of stuff that I didn’t really know about the country lifestyle that he informed me on – and I kinda put him up on Detroit. That’s what the song is all about, it’s called ‘To The Left.'” (Hip Hop DX)
Earlier this month, Yela talked about being signed to Interscope and the Eminem comparisons.
“I’ve probably been through every label in the past couple of years,” laughs Yelawolf. “I don’t think we missed any. But after SXSW, it just got really heated, you know? Prior to that we had taken a few meetings, but we decided to just hold out and go knock it out there, see where it took us…I think it’s completely fair, especially now that I’m at Interscope [to be compared to Em.] There’s only been one internationally successful white rapper, so it’s human nature. Obviously I don’t know him as a person yet, but based on his lyrics and the music that he’s put out, there’s definitely a common ground of troubles. I’m absolutely up for it. I would love to work with Em. I’m a fan, so I’m definitely going to pitch it. I gotta take advantage of where I’m at.” (Billboard)
Hip-Hop personality Miss Info sparked the rumor mill with reports of his Interscope deal prior to it going through.
A big birdie tells me that Yelawolf has officially signed toInterscope Records. Again, buzz+climate created a bidding war, but it seems Jimmy Iovine was highly motivated. Congrats to the Alabaman! Now usually I just pretend to be interested in people, but I’m honestly intrigued by this fellow (and I enjoy his Zannel). (Miss Info TV)
The rapper has already displayed his emcee skills as of late with a few notable collaborations.
Hip-hop’s still unsure how to solve a problem like Yelawolf. On Juelz Santana’s “Mixin’ Up the Medicine,” he sang the pilfered-from-Dylan chorus. On Slim Thug‘s “I Run,” he was saddled with interpreting A Flock of Seagulls. But being the go-to white guy to use when it’s clever to do so is an empty fate. He deserves to be more than a curio. (New York Times)
Check out Yelawolf’s “Box Chevy: Part 2” music video below:
