Despite the odds, despite the opposition and despite the competition, music lives on; this time through the likes of a new artist ready to transform the ordinary into legendary. This new artist, ready to transform and continue to evolve music, stems out of Chicago and goes by the name Y.E.S. (Yahweh’s Everyday Soldier, also known as Manny B).

Born in Uptown Chicago, he survived the influence of the streets and sticking to school, determined to make it. Growing up in Chicago as a black male does not leave too many options to a youth, so it was either the streets or school, and the choice was easy. Y.E.S. did not want to see himself stuck in a compromising position, peddling to make it day after day, stuck in the hood; so in spite of his resolve to reject the streets, its influence was too strong and it found itself creeping back in while he was at school. By college, his determination became skewed, and despite the education imposed by him, Y.E.S. branched out to music as his new resolve as his new option for success. Thanks to college, he found himself relieving the horrors of his everyday struggles through music and the call to the streets no longer seemed as a dead end.

Through school, Y.E.S. was able to make moves, and establish connections with local artists, producers and promoters ready to live out his dream of success. After forming an allegiance to Diamond in the Rough, all the steps were in place, and now through carefully crafted moves the takeover was beginning. The call of the streets, ironically, cannot be ignored. It is what birthed him, molded him, created him. Despite the path taken to ignore his birthright, Y.E.S. is here ready, smart and hungry. Yahweh’s Everyday soldier- salute him for it is music evolved. But this time dangerous, ready to transform the ordinary into incomparable.

Y.E.S.- V For Vendetta

Defsounds: First and foremost, Y.E.S., I want to thank you for taking your time out of your busy schedule to sit down with me and the Defsounds community. Now, first and foremost, let us know where you from, what state and city you representing?

Uptown Chicago, born and raised. Logan Square is where I stay.

Defsounds: How did you come up with and what’s the significance behind your name Y.E.S.?

It stands for Yahweh’s Everyday Soldier.

Defsounds: When were you first introduced to hip-hop and the art of rhyming, I mean when did you decide or realize that rapping was a gift and talent you wanted to pursue?

Well I don’t have a heart warming story about how I discovered rap, or how it discovered me, truth be told rhyming is second nature. Hip Hop is a way of life and I was born into its lifestyle. I first started getting serious while I was in college and people were disappointed that I wasn’t trying to become professional, and take my hobby from rapping more seriously. They always told me that I’d kill the game right now, comparing me to whoever was on the radio and I didn’t want to disappoint my peeps so I decided to see how far I could push the envelope. They would ask me to spit and when I did there was and there is no doubt in my mind the reaction I see from those in attendance that that homely feeling that I get, that mouth drop or that head nod from peeps who find it hard to give props remind me that this is where I belong, and I am blessed to do so freely.

Defsounds: Now the industry has seen a lot of big named artists come out of Chicago. What I want to ask is: what’s the hip-hop scene like in Chicago? What do you think you can do to change the game in Chicago’s scene?

First and foremost, I want to bring unity to Chicago and the Midwest. Right now the South has it poppin, and they were able to do big things because of the support they received from amongst each other. Chicago is the city of hella-haters, and we gotta lose that rep. We need to come together, so that we could be respected as a city. After Chicago, the Midwest, then the country and etc.

Defsounds: Now out of all the artists out of Chicago, what separates you from the rest of artists representing Chicago?

Well it’s not just from Chicago, it’s from everywhere. It’s not a gimmick; this is me, what you hear is what you get. Everyone has a story to be told, influenced by their life experiences, it’s just that my swag is a little more heavy than most, and I have been blessed with the gift to put it in rhyme form, simultaneously pursing my goals.

Defsounds: When you were coming up, were there any artists that you looked up to, and what about them made you dig their style?

Truth be told, I respect all art forms; from music, sports (which is also an art form) to movies. Anything that has people going crazy over, I respect. From Michael Jackson (yes Mike) to Michael Jordan. The cheer of your peers is an indescribable feeling, and I crave it. I respect icons- not fads, so cats like Big, Pac, Nas, Michael Jackson, and Michael Jordan deserve their craze. It makes me wonder what it takes to be legendary and also makes me work towards such a goal.

Defsounds: What is it about you and your style that would make someone want to go out and purchase one of your albums or mixtapes?

No bullshit, no lies, just swag and smarts, listen for yourself.

Defsounds: Speaking of mixtapes, you just dropped your new mixtape “Alias 3.0.” Can you tell us a little bit about the project, who you’re working with, any featured guests?

I got my mans Krukid (Rawkus top 50 mc’s) my mans Jahzel, my mans King Kito; just to name a few. Mostly Midwest artists by way of Chicago and St. Louis. It’s a crazy joint, you gotta cop it!

Defsounds: Now are there any artists or producers, either in the mainstream or underground that you haven’t worked with that you would like to work with in the future?

Anybody, I don’t wanna name names, but I’m down for making crazy legendary timeless music, so anybody. If I had to name names I’d say of all time, get Diddy to release an unreleased joint from Big, and throw Pac on it with a 16 from me with Mike Jackson singing the hook!

Defsounds: Where do you see yourself 5-10 years from now? Would you like to continue rapping or are there any other ventures you’d like to get involved with?

I see myself living out my dream, making timeless music. I also see myself branching out media wise and doing everything within my potential.

Defsounds: Now I want to ask you about any upcoming shows. When can the fans expect to see you? Do you have any dates or shows lined up that your fans can look forward to?

First things first, you can always check out the Myspace page: www.myspace.com/yesyesaudiolab

Also you can vote for me on MTV2’s “On The Rise” at: http://mtv2ontherise.com/?cm=013268

Alias 3.0 is bananas! Other than that look out for ya boy!

Defsounds: Y.E.S., I really want to thank you for taking the time out to chop it up with me, I really appreciate it. Before we leave, is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans and the Defsounds community?

Diamond in the Rough is coming. You scared?? Salute me…Swazey.