The Break
Less Talk, More Action, Team Get Paid
By Suga Da Brainiac Babe
Yung Rob is just one member of a local act that seems to be growing a nice following here on the East Side of Cleveland without ever doing a show. His principles for developing their team as well as his willingness to obtain knowledge from his predecessors is the glue behind Team GP’s movement. Taking such initiative despite diversity is a quality that every group should have.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Ok, who is GP Ent?
Yung Rob: GP ENT., Team GP is a local music group from Cleveland. It was started in 2006.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Does GP have a meaning, and how did you get involved with the movement?
Yung Rob: GP means Get Paid. I got involved in 2007. The original members quit rapping after one of the members got killed.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: From what I can tell, you seem to be the most visible group member, consistently posting lings to your music and promoting your team. What compels you to push the promotion of your team so hard?
Yung Rob: Honestly I feel that it takes hard work, motivation, and dedication to get in this music industry and I never got to rap with the original team so I feel I got something to prove. Not just to those who see it but to Nutso, the member who was killed. I won’t let the team die.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: That’s very admirable, is it difficult for you to take on a leadership role at such a young age?
Yung Rob: Yeah, very! (Laughing) But I know it’s going to pay off in the long run.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: No question. You’re on the right path. Now, I was raised on Gooding Ave. and my experiences influenced a lot of my rap style and demeanor. How has your environment influenced you?
Yung Rob: A lot I learned from seeing so much, I learned from other’s mistakes and took notes from the older people I hung around and things I experienced myself.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Same here. Now, the first time I heard any music by your group was about a year ago when of your buddies pulled up in my mother’s driveway bumping it, he gave me a CD and I got to hear the versatility and raw talent your group has to offer. Who’s in your group and what qualities do you think each member, including yourself, bring to your music?
Yung Rob: Ok, we got a young dude Need Rio, he brings the delivery. He’s young with a bold, loud voice on tracks and he’s a very talented writer, not just music, but poetry. Twin O has a laid back swag on the tracks but he good at making hype hooks for party songs. Manly C4 brings the rough hood swag to the team and me Yung (Laughing) brings versatility, delivery, and that cool swag, swag to da track. There are more of us but I ain’t wanna take it that deep.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: What artists have influenced you in this game, and do you consider yourself comparable to any of them?
Yung Rob: Wayne, Jeezy, Wiz, Big Sean, T.I. and Ross. They’re my favorite right now. I feel like I’m comparable to Wiz and Big Sean because I’ve been told I sound like them a lot.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: I can see some comparison, but you also have a style that takes a life of its own. What distinguishes you from these other artists?
Yung Rob: The fact that I stick to the topic, ride the beat different every time, and like you said, I have my own style, I let the beat guide me honestly.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: I respect that. Have you guys done any performances yet?
Yung Rob: Nope, that’s in the works. We’re trying to release our mix tape next month, and that’s when we’re going to start.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: What steps do you feel are necessary to get you to the next level?
Yung Rob: Our music quality has improved, so now all it takes is for us to get a break or just start doing shows and getting our faces out there more.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: I dig that. Where can we find some of your songs?
Yung Rob: On tweet my song at this link: http://tweetmysong.com/members/YungTEAMGP/Songs.htm
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: What’s your favorite song that you have done solo, and with the group?
Yung Rob: My favorite solo is my newest one Key 2 the City. It hasn’t been released yet. My favorite released one would be I Mingle, and my favorite song with the team is Damn That Girl Sexy. I think it’s underrated because of the sound quality.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Does your group have a manager or do you basically handle everything yourself?
Yung Rob: Well, we’re working on our manager situation but as for now, I run everything.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: From experience, I know how difficult that can be, but I see and respect your determination and drive. I’m looking forward to hearing your new single. We’re about to close out, but tell the people what you think is required of any artist trying to make it in this business.
Yung Rob: Dedication, motivation, hard work, and a strong mental because it gets hard, but it’s not easy to do it big.
Suga Da Brainiac Babe: Well said, it’s been a pleasure talking with you, I hope to get an exclusive interview about the drop of your group’s mix tape.
Yung Rob: Ok, we’ll see what we can do, thanks.
This is a young man of few words. His humbleness and drive is what makes him stand out in comparison to many other group leaders in the Cleveland underground rap scene. Using the knowledge he already has along with his dedication to his team is what will impel this group into broader horizons. Anyone can put a group together, but respect and a consistent work ethic is what keeps a group together and progressing. Expect to hear more from this group in the coming years.
