As the youngest member of London Rap collective, House of Pharaohs, which he joined at 13 years old, Blaze YL is no stranger to the UK music scene. Get to know him better with this VIPER Presents interview…

What five words define your sound?

Nostalgic, Experimental, Exciting, melodic and original.

Tell me something unique about your creative process? 

Sometimes I can go into the booth without recording/writing bars. I can tell the producer to hit play and I can just lay it down… Whatever comes into my head!

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first? 

‘Easy Access’

What inspired you to make that song? 

Feeling myself.. Certain lyrics are relatable and I like to talk about stuff, or experiences, or situations that people can relate to.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

Most vulnerable is, post argument going to the booth – whether it’s a relationship or a next life struggle – expressing myself in the studio is a helpful release. I could be stressed out one day and make something that reflected my mood.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage? 

The best – all of them are special, and every experience I make sure it’s crazy for myself and the fans. The worst experience was when I fell off stage in Peckham, lots of water and drinks were thrown on stage and I ended up on the floor in front of everyone. We move [laughs]! 

What is your favourite song to perform? 

‘Bedroom Bully’. I released it in 2021 and that’s my favourite to perform right now.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music? 

I’ve made music since a young age, but I was always tuned into the likes of 50 Cent, Drake and Ashanti and a lot of the R&B bag as well… And the early 2000s Rap era that you would see on music channels. Never a set genre or artist, I would take in everyone.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Blaze is my real name, there is no meaning behind it. The YL comes off the back of my time with my collective, House Of Pharaohs and I was the youngest. I was known for being that ‘Young Lord’ I was going to the venues from 6pm cause I had no ID and needed to get in.. or if i could get ID I would have to show a fake ID to the bouncer [laughs]. 

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

It would be something creative.. Similar lane to music.

What’s success to you? 

Feeding my family, being steady and content. Not even rich, just content but with enough wealth where I can look after the people around me.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction? 

I have always been creative, from a young age I have been performing and nothing has ever forced me to change. I went through certain moments that challenged me but I was always able to continue with music and the creative path.

Where can people keep in touch with you?

Instagram – blaze_moneyman. Spotify – BlazeYL

Photo by eddie.davi3s