YQ has been called the hook master, and with good reason. His collaborations with MI, MODE9, 2SHOTZ, NAETO C and a host of others, have helped their songs to climb to the top of the charts. Partners, rivals, fans, media and record labels swoon over this young talent. But the singer has not always been so celebrated. It took many years to make this diamond shine.
Born YAKUB JUBRIL YQ knew early that he’d grow up to be fulfilled but what he did not expect was that stardom would come to him from the tightness of his rhymes, a gift he became aware of in the mid-nineties. For about ten years, he honed his craft behind closed doors. The second of seven children, music was first and foremost his way of dealing with his feelings.
In 2003, he formed the group Q-KREST with his partner Krest-up. They released a musical video for their song ''FIRE DANCE,'' which got rave reviews and earned them performances at the Play Safe Rave by Tequila Events in 2003 and The COCA-COLA Show (Q-KREST opened for Ivorian sensation MAGIC SYSTEM). In 2004, the duo performed together one last time at the TETNISIK, before deciding to go their separate ways.
Musically, He lists BOB MARLEY; R. KELLY, 2FACE and BORN JAMERICANS as major influences. YQ paid his dues, bouncing from one label to the next, in search of his big break. It wasn’t long before he got signed by 2KONCEPTS ENTERTAINMENT, after he did E FI MI LE with the late DAGRIN. MK of Two Concepts Entertainment immediately invested in studio time for the emerging artist; a visionary businessman, he knew he had struck gold.
Following the advice of artist BENNY WILLIS, YQ who was known for his rhymes turned to singing, revealing an even bigger gift. His career grew from strength to strength as he worked on songs, old and new, with DURELLA, MARVELLOUS BENJY, BUZZMAN, DAGRIN and former partner Krest-up, enlisting the production magic of DR. FRABZ, SOSSICK, TERRY G and SARZ. The result is the highly anticipated and newly released album, I AM YQ.
This album testifies to the coming-of-age journey of an artist who gave up the comfort of his home, barbed hair, sold recharge cards, and turned his back from semi-professional football. His wealth of experience on the streets of Lagos is translated in his album by the use of Yoruba (YQ’s mother tongue is IGALA) and Pidgin and a general sense of humility. This influence is balanced out with a predominance of English, an appreciation for the luxuries of life and his exposure to American R&B. “I sing to touch people’s lives, rich or poor,” says the crooner.
YQ is signed on an alliance between 2KONCEPTS ENTERTAINMENT and STORM RECORDS. Before his album, He has been nominated for numerous awards including; Hip-Hop awards for Next rated, Hip-Hop awards for Best Street Hip Hop, Hip-Hop awards for Best Collaboration, SMVA fro Discovery of the Year, NEA in USA for most promising act and hottest song of the year (E FI MI LE) and DYNAMIX AWARDS 2008 for Best New Act and Hottest Single.
I AM YQ
Having lent his voice to the chart-topping hits of so many artists (Area with MI, Oyoyo with 2 Shotz), now expands his horizons with an album of his own. He has been called “the most known unknown” but all that is about to change with the release of his debut album “I am YQ” which explores the themes of money, girls and gratitude. Indeed, after the astonishing success of his hit single “I like girls,” YQ is not done crooning to the ladies. He‘s put together something both for the fun-loving girls and the wifey-types against a backdrop of hip-hop and R&B, reggae and salsa which including the instant sensations “E fi mi le” feat. Dagrin, “Winney” feat. Terry G & Dagrin and “Gigolo.” Spanning 17 tracks (including an interlude), the album shows that too much of a good thing isn't bad, not bad at all.
Connect with YQ on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iamyq
On Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/YQJUBRIL
Enjoy his Videos Here: http://www.youtube.com/stormnigeria
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