by mariah estran
photo by whipalo
The 17-year-old rapper YungManny has recently dropped an addictive new track and video, “Clap For ‘Em." It is an energetic two-minutes loaded with a spry beat that spotlights the rapper's catchy verses alongside Flo Milli and Sada Baby.
The track is considered a sort of creative “first." The first time he worked with this type of beat to making sure each line felt quotable. “Clap For ‘Em” shows YungManny’s determination as an artist and a thing or two about making a song you’ll hear all summer long.
We recently spoke with YungManny about “Clap For ‘Em." He shares more insight on the production process, working with two of the hottest rappers, staying motivated, and if another release is in the works.
Your new track “Clap For ‘Em” has this vibrant dance vibe mixed with a stellar flow — making for something super catchy! What was the process like when producing this track?
YungManny: “I’ve never hopped on that type of beat before, but I take pride in being a jack of all trades. I knew I had to make something for the ladies and for the club. I made sure the hook and verse were filled with quotable lines, and then the cherry on top came when Derrick Milano came, added his finishing touches, and made the record what it is today. Almost everything I did that night was a first, but 11/10 session.”
You got the chance to collab with two of the hottest rappers, Flo Milli and Sada Baby! What was it like working with these two? And how did you know they would be perfect for the track?
Y: “Flo and I have been pretty close friends for some years now. I kinda feel like I watched her reach stardom in front of my own two eyes. She’s very passionate about her work and I see her hunger to get better. Sada Baby, whom I met through this song, is a very humble, extremely talented dude. I personally vibed to his songs before we linked up and when he came up as an idea to hop on that beat, it made more than enough sense. The record just felt natural and that’s why it’s so special.”
"Clap for 'Em" is your first release of 2021, but you have been releasing music for the last few years. How do you feel like your work is progressing?
Y: “I feel like I’m the hardest out and I put that on my mother. I’m so diverse with my beat/genre selection and I love the feeling of impressing people with my talent. Every line is said with the intent of capturing the listener’s heart and undivided attention. I will only get better by God’s grace. I think the world just needs to hear more. The music is there. Plus I’m only 17.”
What artists would you say are inspiring your new tracks?
Y: “Not too many people other than myself. If anyone is influencing my craft, the inspiration is coming from the grasp they hold over people and the connection they have with their fanbase, which I want to recreate with my own supporters.”
You started rapping at 12, you’re now 17, and you have not stopped working to put out new music. What keeps you motivated?
Y: “I genuinely want to be the greatest. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. I want everyone to undeniably agree on that as well. But one day at a time.”
Lastly, what projects are you working on next? Is there another album in the works?
Y: “I humbly can say I improve every day. Lyrically, melodically, and simply sonically. My next body of work will be a timeless piece of art. Every word and every note has meaning. It’ll consist of a variety of emotions, but I can assure you that everyone will have a favorite. There’s no solidified date as of now, but EVERYONE should be on the lookout. If you don’t find it, it’ll find you.”