BathroomGirl: So, when and how did you get turned on to Rap & Hip Hop music?
YoungToronto:It started from a very young age. I remember my grandfather babysitting me, and he used to have these vinyl LP's and a record player, and there'd always be music playing. I think I really got interested when I was around 6. The first rap song I remember hearing was "D'Evils" by Jay Z. My grandfather was a huge Hov fan. The more I understood the lyrics, the more I enjoyed the music.
BathroomGirl: "D'Evils" by Jay Z. That is a heavy song for a 6 year old. Was there something about the way you experienced the world around you that made you connect so strongly to that song at such a young age?
YoungToronto I think it's because of the area I grew up in. It was a low income area, and sometimes it felt like we were struggling, even from a young age. Of course I couldn't fully understand everything in the song, but as I grew older, the song touched me more and more.
BathroomGirl: That makes sense, I can totally relate to that struggle. Do you think you would be a different person today if you weren't exposed to your grandfather's passion for music as a young boy?
YoungToronto: I think eventually I would have gotten into hip hop at some point because of my area, but he definitely opened my eyes to another side of the genre. I guess a more conscious side.
BathroomGirl: When you say "your area" are you referring to your years in Canada or in Detroit, U.S.A. or both?
YoungToronto: Actually, I was talking about Canada, but now that Detroit is brought up, I definitely will say that it had an impact on my life. Just the entire Detroit music scene helped me to fit into the city, whether it was in a good or bad way. Thinking that I was in a great hip hop city really made me feel as though I was part of something.
BathroomGirl: Explain the difference between the 'good and bad ways'… that's interesting…
YoungToronto: Well, I guess being in Detroit gave me a mentality that I had to act like I lived in Detroit. And for me that involved getting into the wrong crowd. I started hanging around the hood areas even though my parents moved my family into, well, quite a nice middle class area. I eventually got caught up in situations that could have easily been avoided.
BathroomGirl: That happens to a lot of young people. Rebellion is an important phase of our evolution into adulthood.The rebellious years are where we learn who really cares about our well-being and what causes are really worth our loyalty and devotion. Good people help us learn from our mistakes and get us back on track. How did you get back to living for what is positive, productive and constructive?
YoungToronto: You know what, I don't give enough credit to my mom. I don't have the best relationship with my parents, but I could have always counted on my mom for help. She really wanted to move away from Detroit because she saw I was spiraling out of control. After moving back to Toronto I had a hard time making new friends and reacquainting with old ones. One person I have was a young girl who goes by the name of Kristen. She essentially was one friend I kept and continued to be friends with. Eventually we got more and more friendly with each other to the point where we're contemplating a future with each other.
BathroomGirl: It’s great that you can credit your mom and Kristen with being such supportive and good influences on you. I often lament how vain, materialistic and sexually promiscuously women are portrayed in rap and hip hop. What are your thoughts about that?
YoungToronto: Whew, deep question. Well, I try to be very respectful towards women. The way hip hop is, they aren't exactly 100% respectful in lyrics. However, the music is mainly for entertainment purposes. It's definitely not a great thing the way they portray women, yet in that same way, hip hop just wouldn't be the same if things changed. The genre has definitely evolved around tough and edgy lyrics, so this just adds to the effect.
BathroomGirl: LOL Aw sh*t, Jay! I am about to get deeper… are you saying hip hop needs women to be portrayed as greedy, shallow, sex objects to protect the flavor “the brand”?
YoungToronto: - Hell no lol, it would be better if they didn't view women like that. In no way would I treat my girlfriend in that kind of way, and I hope more people have more respect for women. I don't like saying that women are lesser then men, so I won't.
That's why artists like Eminem get so much flack. I would blame his upbringing as to why he raps the way he does, but I think it would be a whole different story if he actually did get convicted for something like domestic violence.
BathroomGirl: Was just going to bring up Headlights by Eminem as well as Dear Mama by Tupac Shakur and Mind Sex by Dead Prez. I think these songs are great examples of how legendary rap artists have managed to celebrate women without diminishing the power of the genre. Do you think when considering these songs and artists there is room for hip hop and rap’s portrayal of women to evolve?
YoungToronto: - Well yes, looking at these examples I think there is room for improvement, however, not much room. Honestly, I think no matter how much emphasis we put in changing these views of women, it won't change any time soon. It's just the way hip hop is going right now that makes me think that way.
BathroomGirl: If you were going to dedicate a rap / hip hop song to your mom and a rap / hip hop song to Kristen, what would those songs be?
YoungToronto: If I were to dedicate a song to my mom, it'd probably be something like Headlights by Eminem. To Kristen, maybe something along Drake's discography. Maybe something like Best I Ever Had.
BathroomGirl: OK enough about the b*tches. LMFAO, One of the things I love about interacting with you on Genius is your joyful presence. I feel like every where I go on the site I see you contributing and interacting with everyone. What keeps you so committed to this community?
YoungToronto: Aw thanks! To be honest, I try to be a positive person. In real life, I'm kinda passive and quiet. I'd be that one kid that lit up a room without saying sh*t lol. I like interacting with people who share common interests with me.
It's very easy to keep coming back because of the support I got from users since the day I joined the site.
BathroomGirl: You recently wrote a really awesome artist bio about Classified, a Canadian rap and hip hop artist. How long have you been a fan of his?
YoungToronto: I've been a huge fan of Classified for a while. He's just one of those Canadian rappers that you can't help but fall in love with. Even though he was born and raised out in the maritimes, everything from his mic presence to his beat selection really gave you that authentic Canadian feeling.
BathroomGirl: What is your favorite Classified song and why?
YoungToronto: Well, I have a few favs really. I loved Oh… Canada because it's really a braggadocious Canadian song, showing that we definitely have something to share with the world, and we will not be stopped. Another one I really like is Hip Hop. That song really showed how Classified was fighting to make his way into the industry. And despite "making it", he still keeps it real, and doesn't hold himself higher than any other man simply because of his success. Just recently, he released an album, and one song that I love is It's Hard To Understand. That song really hits hard, and shows you just how tough life can be. The examples he used in the song show that there are worse off people in the world, yet they're just happy they have the gift of life. It really makes me think about just how fortunate I am.
BathroomGirl: Your profile says you can "kinda rap", are you looking to pursue it as a professional career or enjoy the art form as an enthusiast?
YoungToronto: I've thought about recording and rapping, but it's not for me at all.
I would however like to do something with producing. I've been playing around a lot with beats, and I think I'm getting pretty good at It. Eventually I may start posting my beats for everyone to hear.
BathroomGirl: I am excited to hear your beats when you start releasing them.
If you could choose 3 artists you could create beats for who would you choose?
YoungToronto: Maybe not who I would work for, but who I would work with. If it is ever possible, I'd like to make beats with J Dilla. If not, then I'd definitely like to make beats with Madlib and have MF DOOM or Freddie Gibbs rap over them. Maybe even work with Kanye a little bit, because he has amazing production. Classified and Dr. Dre are also up there as well.
BathroomGirl: Ugh, I can’t stand Kanye. LOL but this interview isn’t about me! It’s about you. Is there anything you wish I would have asked you?
YoungToronto: Funny because @niday HATES Eminem, so it all balances out I guess.
BathroomGirl: What the hell? Who could hate Eminem? Eminem is the greatest.
YoungToronto: It would have been cool if you asked about athletics. I really love sports, mostly basketball, rugby, football, baseball, soccer. Don’t be misled though, I’m not a huge hockey fan.
BathroomGirl: Sorry, I didn’t touch on sports. I struck out, fumbled, and missed the net. Maybe next time! See you around Genius. Thanks for always being such a cool and supportive cyber-friend here on the site.
YoungToronto: No problem, BathroomGirl. Thanks for filling in last minute. You've always been supportive of me while you were on, and I deeply appreciate that.