By Derrius Edwards – @rawcommnc
It’s difficult to shine when engulfed in darkness, but rising star Pure Yayo makes it look easy while being immersed in The Arch’s silhouette.
St. Louis, Missouri , home to the Gateway Arch , is also home to the talented artist named Pure Yayo.
Troubles and hardships only contribute to the testimony bestowed upon Yayo, as he transcends the new wave of sound coming out of “The Lou”.
With records like “Whut Um Gonna Du” and most recently “Da Arch” , Yayo lays his pain to rest on the frequencies transmitted from the 808’s.
The untold story of an unconditional loyalty to family, an unspoken bond of brotherhood and a level of respect that runs deeper than the depths of space are only fractions of what makes Yayo pure.
“I’m tryna take my family to the next level by chasing my dreams. ” — Pure Yayo
In a world where transparency is key and truth holds value, Yayo’s infectious drive has enabled him to further position himself at the forefront as the next artist to rise out of Missouri.
In this over-the-phone interview we caught up with Pure Yayo to talk about new music, inspirations and more.
Q:What inspired the name?
A: “Pure” come from my brother, he gave me that name when I was a kid. He just had a different vision for me, always wanted me to be clean-cut, pure. Yayo came along once I started working with an artist out of my city named Loudy. Me, him and my brother Guccio, that’s how it all started.
Q: How did you get started with music
A: I was born in it. My brother, Guccio, had a record label called “Quit Playing” . I was coming around just pitching ideas, they was feeling it. I started working with Loudy, we getting it in. Next thing you know, it’s my time.
Q: What was it like growing up in Missouri?
A: Man yeah, I’m definitely from the North-side of “The Arch’s”. I’m so much from my hood, I was born on the damn couch. Like, my mama had me on my couch in my hood. In a lot of my songs I make a reference to that.
Q: What inspires your creativity as an artist?
A: I done lost so much. I got people in the feds, my blood-brother got shot 13 times man, and he still on this earth. It’s so much shit around me that just inspire me to go harder.
Q: What does family mean to you?
A: Family is the most important to me, because my family has been through the most. I know there’s other people that have their own struggles, but I done lost 2 brothers, just lost my mama this past summer. I’m tryna take my family to the next level by really chasing my dreams. I ain’t even hanging with friends if I don’t consider them family.
Q: What is “The Arch”?
A: We have a monument downtown in the city, it’s an arch that sits above the whole town. To me, the arch is just St. Louis. We under the arch, in the streets getting it in.
Q: Talk to me about your new single “Da Arch”
A: I was having a talk with my team one day and we just decided that we needed to be more rooted, let people know about where we really from. It’s way deeper than just a monument.
Q: Any words of advice for upcoming artists?
A: Always critique your craft more. Learn from the folks that done paved the way for you. Be more of an individual, self-sufficient. You got the “x” out f**k niggas, don’t let nobody trick you off the streets.
Q: Closing remarks
A: I got a lot to express. I got fly shit to express, horror stories to express. Just a whole category of stuff I want to express, just hope the people f*****g with me.
For more updates & new music be sure to follow Pure Yayo @1pureyayo
