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Artist
Yu
12+ albums
Hip-Hopunderground hip-hophip hoprapDiamond District
about
There are two artists under this tag, one being a german pop punk/indie pop musician, the other being a rapper German artist, real name Yunus Emre Can. Yu combines personal fears, therapy experiences and rebellious humor in a sound that refuses to classify itself. With his ironic puns and unwavering messages, he holds up the mirror to the world without losing his playful lightness. He incorporates heavy political pieces in his music, especially against neo nazi parties such as and especially the AfD yU was born Michael Willingham Jr. on April 14, 1978 in Cheverly, Maryland. The year of his birth forms the second half of his moniker – "the 78er" – with "yU" in reference to his battle rapping days on Davey D's Hip-Hop Corner website. While most of the competition was posting with typical "oh, you mad ‘cause I'm stylin' on you" braggadocio, yU was honing his storytelling skills and putting his opponents in wild predicaments (like working for mall security). People couldn't understand his approach, so they began to ask, "Why you do this?" and "Why you do that?" With the numerous "Why you?" questions, yU the artist emerged. His first real shine came with a spot on 2003's The Antidote: The Healing Pt. 2 compilation from Urban Ave 31. The project featured singer Raheem DeVaughn and yU's crew The Remainz, with a buzz spreading to Europe and introducing the budding lyricist to an overseas audience. At home, a new generation of talent was bubbling in the Washington D.C./Md./Va. area
