By: Arlene Culpepper & Jeffrey ‘Strait Jigg’ Wineburg
Longevity: length of service, tenure, etc.; seniority
Baby and Slim have come to be known as geniuses of sorts in the music business. They are also known for discovering diamonds in the rough.
Almost two decades before the birth of YMCMB and long before The Hot Boys and even Lil Wayne hit the scene, came UNLV, a group that helped put New Orleans rap on the map. To this day, the legendary group hailing from Uptown continues to make timeless music. Uptown has long been known as an area that birthed some of the most brilliant rappers ever, many of whom name UNLV as a major influence on their own music. “Longevity” best describes UNLV and the major contributions made to Down South rap.
UNLV laced tight lyrics over unforgettable beats that are, without a doubt, classics that will never die.
UNLV’s discography is lengthy and contains epic hits that continue to be downloaded. There aren’t very many “gangsta” rap groups who can say they started a dance craze, but UNLV can add that to their resume. With their ‘90’s hit “Eddie Bow”, the already quickly growing bounce movement was set ablaze.
Lil Ya and Tec-9 are the two remaining members. Originally, there were three members, but Yella’s life was cut short.
Had Yella lived, he would have been privy to the notion that UNLV opened doors for many of the South’s rap artists, including some of Uptown’s finest such as Juvenile, The Hot Boys including Lil Wayne, and even some up and comers like Da U Boys.
UNLV’s work is the “essence of hip-hop.” – Legendary producer/artist Mannie Fresh
UNLV truly set the bar for southern rap and they deserve much acclaim for this most difficult feat.
After many years of being fans and listening to their music, we were honored to speak with Ya Phat of UNLV to get his take on their many years in the game. Here’s what he had to say:
ARLENE/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: UNLV is one of the most legendary groups to ever come out of the city – how does it feel to know that you guys are still relevant to rap music to this day?
YA PHAT/UNLV: It’s a blessing to still be relevant after 20 years. I’m thankful for all honors, but we feel like we have more dreams and goals to accomplish.
ARLENE/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What artists would UNLV like to worth with?
YA PHAT/UNLV: For me, Anita Baker. I’m sure Tec-9 will say Jaheim or Anthony Hamilton.
ARLENE/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What new projects is UNLV currently working on?
YA PHAT/UNLV: We just released a new greatest hits collection with two new songs. You can log on to UNLVmusic.com to buy it. It’s available on CDbaby and iTunes. We’re in the process of releasing our 12th full length album. We are currently working on a major deal and also, a book/movie is in the works.
ARLENE/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: At the end of the day, where will UNLV go down in rap history?
YA PHAT/UNLV: New Orleans trend setters and Ca$h Money Records’ first group – many may say we made Ca$h Money Records because at the end of the day, the deal with Universal Records was based on records that UNLV sold while signed to Ca$h Money Records. “UPT 4 Life” peaked at #86 on Billboard.
Click here to check out the continuation of our interview with Ya Phat of the legendary UNLV: https://theheatmag.com/heat-exclusive-conversation-with-legends-unlv-epic-talent-spanning-decades-part-2/
