Young Abe: Austin’s Up-and-Coming Talent

They say everything’s bigger in Texas. That definitely holds true for the amount of household names the Lone Star State has produced over the years. From multiple presidents, actors, actresses, musicians and more. Texas definitely holds a top spot in being one of the places you are sure to find talent. With artists coming out of some of the biggest cities in Texas every year, it doesn’t seem like the state will be lacking anytime soon. One of the newer up-and-coming artists working on getting his seat at the table comes out of Austin, TX. Young Abe, who started releasing some songs mainstream last year, is someone to keep your eye out for and ears open to. I spoke with Young Abe about his journey in the rap game, life, opinions and more. Definitely an artist I plan to stay updated on and if you keep reading, I’m sure you’ll feel the same way.

Interview conducted at the end of March 2019, prior to his EP release.

Truthfully, I don’t know too much about you. There’s not a lot of information out there. How old are you and how long have you been rapping?

I’m 25 and been rapping for a year.

Really? I thought you were like 21, 22 maybe. What made you decide to start making music and try to pursue it as a career?

I know. A lot of people think that (lol) and honestly my friends, they always told me I had the image to do it. They were already rapping and I used to go with them. I finally got in there and made a song. Honestly, the reactions I got made me want to keep going.

That’s pretty dope. Nothing like having your friends gas you up (haha). That support is essential. There are tons of people doing the same thing as you. What do you think sets you apart from some of these other up-and-coming artists?

I think what sets me apart from other people is my mindset. I wouldn’t do anything I don’t want to do for any amount of money or fame.

That’s real because there are definitely a lot of people who would do anything and it’s not always good stuff. I watched an interview you did with GuttaTV and in it you reiterated about saving money, not rushing trying to get big, waiting to do things until you can afford them, not talking down people’s prices, among other things… How important is all of that to you, as far as, keeping with those same principles as you become bigger and more known?

All honesty, it’s still the same. I’m not a cocky person. I don’t go to people and try to get prices lowered or feel like he should give me something for a certain price because I’m Abe. If someone wants to bless me, they can bless me. But shit, people trying to feed they families. I respect a man’s price as if it was me in their shoes. As far as the music, saving, and not rushing it gets hard sometimes because I be wanting to drop all the time. I just got to do it the right way and if I can’t afford something, no matter how bad I want to do it, I’ll just wait because everything or every time I’ve rushed something, it went wrong.

I’m sure a lot of people respect you more for that because I’ve dealt with people wanting to talk down prices or get stuff free. I also think there’s something to be said for having patience and knowing when to chill out on some things. So, it’s good you recognize now that there’s a certain way to go about doing everything. I was told you’re from Austin. How would you describe the music scene there?

Facts and yea, the music scene’s blowing. It’s a show literally almost every week and we have hella talented people out here. We going to grow to be one of the top cities for the music scenes. Just give it a couple years.

In a couple of years, I’m going to remember you said that and we’ll see where Austin stands among other places like Houston. H-Town kinda has a rep for being hard to come out of because some artists stay clique’d up, want money, or just don’t mess with people from certain parts of the city. Then I moved to Seattle and saw that there’s a huge music scene here. It’s completely opposite and people seem to be pretty supportive of each other. Have there been any issues with you, or that you’ve seen, when it comes to Austin artists wanting to or not wanting to collab with each other?

Very true. Houston is clique’d up and as far as issues, I personally haven’t had any issues but I see it all the time. Some people won’t work with you if you don’t have a name on social networks or period. There are a lot of artists that are good in Austin, that’s not popular. Popularity plays a huge role. People like to f*ck with the people that’s popular instead of f*cking with who’s talented.

That seems to be a problem that has worsened because of social media playing a huge part in how quickly people can get known now. It’s sad it has to be a popularity game. Going back to you being from Austin, I’ve been there a few times and there’s always a lot to do. What kind of things could we find you doing or places you might be when you’re taking a break from making music and doing shows?

Big facts and I love to eat. I like to go try the food trucks. Also, we got the Lime Scooters downtown. You can ride them. Also, hoop from time to time, catch a UT game or even rent out a boat at Lake Travis.

Okay, so you’re out here having fun. What’s your favorite food truck people have to try when they are in Austin?

Shit, I be trying & Taco More. It’s downtown on 6th Street.

I’ll have to check it out next time I’m there. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

Most people don’t know how cold I am on 2K. Nah, but um, most people don’t know I lived in Colorado.

Risk & Rewards, an album by Young Abe on Spotify

Every guy thinks they’re good at 2k. But that’s cool you lived there. I want to visit CO one day… Back to the music, you released a song last year called “Obstacles.” The title and lyrics are pretty straightforward. More in depth, where did that song come from in regards to how it relates to your life?

The song relates to, you know, the trials and tribulations and what was going on around me. I felt a lot of people was doing things for the wrong reason and at the time I was trying to put money behind a single to put out and get distributed. That was my first song that I knew was going to be pushed with a distribution team before I recorded it, so I wanted to give a good impression.

It was a good impression for me. I’m sure others that hear it, and have heard it, think so too. What new projects are you working on or have planned to release this year?

I plan on dropping an EP soon, within a week or two.

That’s dope. I’ll be sure to give it a listen when it drops. Where are you trying to go next with your music?

Really, my goal with the music is to go on tour and have booked shows and I also want to be known out[side] of the city.

And what’s one thing you want to let anybody who reads this interview to know and what to expect?

I want people to know that materialistic things don’t make you better than the next man. We all live to die. Live your best life while you here. Oh, and I’m dropping a tape a week from now.