Yung Bleu is not who he used to be. It is just a new day this time around. Moreover, the Multi-Platinum recording artist now lives on the Billboard charts. Although he goes viral for many other things, his music is what stands out now. As a major label act, it is difficult to go top 15 on Billboard 200. Therefore, Bleu reaching No. 12 with his debut studio album as an independent act is downright amazing. The appropriately titled LP, Moon Boy, is an out-of-this-world look into the brain of the Alabama-bred singer/songwriter. His album cover is the perfect reflection of what his album did for him in the industry. The Vandross Music Group, Inc./EMPIRE act has now successfully staked his claim in the industry for good. Bleu’s debut offering also included an unprecedented array of star-studded collaborations.
An album with John Legend, H.E.R, Kehlani, Big Sean, Davido, Chris Brown, Moneybagg Yo, and others is sure to be a heater. The fact that Bleu can have all of these people on his project and still stand out is the most impressive feat. All of these A-lists artists are on one album, and Bleu remains the star of the show throughout the full 49-minute LP. His lead single “You’re Mines Still” features a legendary Drake verse that served as the perfect lead-in to Bleu’s vibrant collection of tunes. Now, Bleu’s “Moon Boy Tour” is sure to be a hit, seeing as he travels through a little less than 40 cities in North America. Bleu was prepping for his release party, and you could tell that he hadn’t had much rest. Thankfully, he had the time to talk about his come-up, thoughts on social media, and his new debut album.
Check out our dope conversation here below!
First things first, for the few who do now know you can you introduce them to who Yung Bleu is?
Yung Bleu: I’m a music artist from Alabama. That is basically how I explain it to others.
Our first interview was like a couple of years ago. You were on a boat so your signal dropped. Do you feel like you’re ever able to enjoy your time and turn work off sometimes?
Yung Bleu: Yeah, it’s just physically. I do get tired sometimes, but I find time to balance what I have to do with what I do.
You have a Drake single going crazy. Can you talk to us about how that came about? Do you feel like this track and its success made you believe more?
Yung Bleu: He hit me up on Instagram, and I sent him the record. I knew it was going to be a big record, and it really turned out to be. To be honest, I am proud of it and what it has done so far. I always felt like I would be big, so this record really just solidified it for me.
This is obviously going to be your biggest project so far. Where do you see yourself in the next 3 years?
Yung Bleu: Man, just more plaques, more hits. I want to continue to build my fanbase. That is what is most important to me at the moment. I want to keep doing bigger things than before.
Speaking of the fan base. Your shows are always lit because it seems like your fans can sing your songs word for word. Have you noticed the difference in the venues you have been performing at now?
Yung Bleu: It means a lot to me. I love performing. My fans mean the world to me. Houston, my hometown in Alabama, is a lot of places I like, to be honest. I paid my dues with the club performances, and I am ready for this tour with all venues.
You’ve have been making waves for a while. What do you want people to take from your upcoming album Moon Boy? The title is interesting so I am curious to know what the meaning is behind it.
Yung Bleu: Truthfully, it is just about going as high as you can. Past the sky, you know the sky isn’t even the limit anymore.
Do your posts or the things you say going viral bother you? I know it happens a lot.
Yung Bleu: Not really; I feel like I stand by everything that I ever post. I have gotten to the point where I know everything that I say can go viral. It is what comes with it now.
I would ask you if you have any dream collaborations but it seems like you got them all on this new project. Are there any other creatives that you would like to work with?
Yung Bleu: Honestly, some people are on a different tier and other genres I would like to work with. Justin Beiber is one. I would also like to work with Ariana Grande and The Weeknd sooner than later. I like all types of music so that would be fun.
Can you tell me about your writing process and how you come up with such relatable songs?
Yung Bleu: It could be past situations or things that I have observed over time. I can draw from everything around me, making it easier to relate to people in my music.
If you had dinner and could only invite 5 musicians whose work you enjoy or inspired you(DOA) who would those people be?
Yung Bleu: 2 Pac, Boosie, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, and Lauryn Hill.
Outside of yourself, who all do you listen to right now?
Yung Bleu: I do not really listen to a lot of newer music. I only listen to my two artists and myself for the most part. Moreover, I listen to older records from Kanye West, Drake, and Boosie when I am in the mood for it also. I do not really listen to much else, though. I am looking to do a compilation project with my team sometime soon.
Lastly, what do you want your fans to know about you that they may not know just yet?
Yung Bleu: My fans need to know that this tour is going to be special. I need all of my fans to come out and see me in their city when I am there. As for music, I am always working to expect more music before the year is out.
Be sure to stream Moon Boy here below!