“Jordan “Young Roach” York was born in Miami, FL and now calls Pittsburgh, PA home. He is what is happening in the independent rap and hip-hop scene. In the winter of 2010, Young Roach decided to start chasing his dream and began to aggressively pursue a career in hip-hop music”.
Piotr Balkus: Why you got into rap/pop music, not rock or metal? What made you rap artist?
Young Roach: I just started freestyling a few summers ago and learned how to put a song together. I never really took it seriously until about 2 years ago. I was able to push my craft and here I am today.
My favorite song of you is “Numb” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgRoAO0nI2g. Is it song about you?
Thank you… Yes, the song is about anyone who has gone through, or knows someone who went through, drug or alcohol addiction. The song is not about me… I worked on this song with Lux, he is on the hook and he also produced the beat.
Is rap music for you the escape from reality? Or rather entering the real world?
No, it’s definitely about my escape. When I’m going through something, or just in my spare time, I’m always doing something related to music, and it really helps me get through a lot of things.
You were born in Miami, but now you live in Pittsburgh. How can you describe the difference between these 2 cities?
Yes, I love Miami! I was young when I was there but I like Pittsburgh. But when you have been here for almost 18 years of your life, it’s starts to get old. Miami has a lot more to offer and a bigger market. Pittsburgh is small and not as much opportunity. What I like about Pittsburgh is the tradition and how it is such a blue collar town of hard working people.
Pittsburgh is a place where Wiz Khalifa lived for a while and started his career. Is he your idol or guru because of that fact?
Yes. Most definitely. I remember I went to go see him when he was just starting and now look where he’s at. It just gives me motivation that you can do anything, if you put your mind to it.
You also performed on boxing ring in Campbell Ohio. How did you feel? Can you tell us more about this experience?
Yes it was an awesome experience. It was a different crowd but I definitely knew how to rock it and make it enjoyable. It was actually in between fights.
Do you have a plan how to become famous in the USA? If so, tell us about it please.
Not really a plan, just a lot of hard work and always staying true to myself it’s hard to stay focused in this industry.
You put the strong emphasis on charity (50% of Young Roach’s songs sales go to the charity Love Hope Strength)…
I like to make a difference. The world is crazy right now so I try to do my part in helping the youth and younger kids.
Do you still rapping and freestyling while walking around Pittsburgh?
(Laughter) I wish… I did it more, not as much as I used to, but that’s kinda how I got started. Never be afraid to go outside the box.
Thank you for your time, and good luck with your music.
Thanks.
More about Young Roach and his music: https://www.reverbnation.com/youngroach
