YOSHI SLIDE: IT AIN’T NO JOKE
It’s a Yoshi slide; when he hits that high vibe, you know who it is! With a distinct spacey autotune & reverb-heavy vocal, Yoshi reveals his innermost emotions and ambitions on dark and melodic trap beats. Initially, music to the upcoming Vancouver hiphop artist was just a hobby, something he didn’t take serious. It came along secondary to his first passion of concert and portrait photography. However, this would quickly develop into a deep passion, and Yoshi would go on to refine his sound and creative process in the following years. He spent many nights working solo on his skills and drawing inspiration from his own experiences, as well as from the sounds and styles of the artists he looked up to.
Working with friend and collaborator Raleken, Yoshi would release the joint EP Before it’s Over in high school. This project saw Yoshi really begin to tap into his potential and experiment, before releasing his first full length mixtape 2019’s Yoshi’s World. This was followed up by 2020’s Go to Sleep Yoshi. The latter project was a statement album and an introduction of Yoshi’s finalized sound, which is heavily influenced by that of Kid Cudi, Don Toliver, and Roddy Ricch.
Go to Sleep Yoshi saw the young artist go all out on production and self-promotion. The release included a visualizer, pro cover art, release posters, as well as the accompanying music video Don’t Dap Me Up (below).
“It may not start as a passion. You might not take it serious, but with time and effort in what you already enjoy, it can become something much more”
– Yoshi
YOSHI’S STILL UP THOUGH
In December of 2020, Yoshi later featured with close friend and collaborator Kuda on fellow Vancouver artist Seth Jaxx’s single WE GOOD. A celebratory anthem focusing on the trio’s perseverance and navigation through their own struggles in music and beyond. The track was well received, and the three artists would gain more collaborative experience throughout the production and release of the song.
Following the sophomore projects’ successful release and a couple more collaborations, Yoshi followed up soon with his self-proclaimed favorite of his works; the single RECKLESS. RECKLESS sees Yoshi reflect upon his current status in the rap game, and his hunger for notoriety and reception. At this point, Yoshi’s sound had evolved to smooth and dark melodic trap, bass heavy with 808s and eerie synths. Yoshi then caught the attention of local rap star Boslen, who invited Yoshi to the listening party for Boslen’s new album in the summer of 2021. Feeling inspired by the new connections and upward trajectory, Yoshi would go on to release the singles PENTHOUSE, & MOVIE (feat. Kuda). In January of 2022 he dropped the track that would give young Yoshi his first taste of mass exposure, the single L.O.V.E.. The song quickly amassed 25,000+ streams in a few days of release, and would carry the artist’s catalogue into new heights as well.
Like many young aspiring hiphop artists, Yoshi first turned to YouTube and BeatStars to source instrumentals for his songs. He lets his instincts guide him to different beats, and knows when he has found the one perfect for his vision. Immersing himself in the mood of the instrumental and himself, the young rapper enters his creative zone by listening to the music of his inspirations, often that of Dominic Fike, Travis Scott, and 6lack, among others. Yoshi first usually writes and records his hooks first, and then finalizes the verses after. Yoshi also mixes his own songs, a valuable skill that he worked hard to develop. It has allowed him to hold executive control over his sound and artistic vision, and to move at a comfortable pace.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Yoshi’s been doing a lot of the work on his own so far, but as we know in Vancouver, a high tide floats ALL boats. Yoshi wishes to waste no time and collaborate with more local and new artists, as well as ones beyond the city. His dream list of future collaborators includes Tory Lanez, 6lack, $not, and Doja Cat. As for the music itself, Yoshi is looking to get into a professional recording studio and work with established producers to further develop his sound and create personal and authentic music. He is always open to new possibilities and opportunities to network and grow his career. With the rapid progress and recognition Yoshi has achieved and received in recent months, he knows that staying true and following the grind will reward him immensely.
Stay tuned! Yoshi and Kuda will be releasing their long-awaited joint EP Step Brothers on February 13, 2022 on all platforms!
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