We left off in Part 1 of our interview with Ya Phat with him discussing the group’s background and discography. Here’s the rest of the interview:
STRAIT JIGG/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Do you all follow the local music scene at all? And if so, what do you think of the state of NOLA hip hop today. Do you think this generation will have the longevity you all have had?
YA PHAT/UNLV: I keep my ears to the street. I’m a music lover, so I tune into a little of everything. I’m not feeling everybody, but I respect what they do. A lot of boundaries have been broken in the N.O. It’s nothing like it was back in the G. I think a lot of artists will be around a minute, if the love for the craft is there. Fame is temporary. Keep your eyes and ears open for our young gunners, “Kutta Jackson” and “Trill & Hesus”.
STRAIT JIGG/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: What is your favorite UNLV album? Do you remember how it was when you first released it?
YA PHAT/UNLV: “UPT 4 Life” – that whole era was a good time. Right before bootleggers hit the scene, CD sales were crazy and gangsta music was in full rotation on the radio.
STRAIT JIGG/THE HEAT MAGAZINE: Can you all see yourselves maybe starting a label and being mentors to some of the newer cats in the business?
YA PHAT/UNLV: We established our own label in 2003 – 6 n B/BReal Ent. We released our last four albums on those and did very well, by the grace of God. We do have a roster with some hellofa artists and producers. At the end of the day, our job is to see to it that we provide them with the opportunity to fulfill their dreams.
Click here to check out Part 1 of our interview with Ya Phat of the legendary UNLV: https://theheatmag.com/heat-exclusive-conversation-with-legends-unlv-epic-talent-spanning-decades-part-1/
