Amiyah Golden
Words by Amiyah Golden
Sunshine, sand between our toes, community and art entangles us as residents of the state that holds diverse stories and faces. It’s the state that is devoted to its temperamental weather patterns but always makes sure to provide a rainbow after the storm. And it’s the state that is noted as the birthplace of local rapper Yung OG (Original Genius) Rawby.
His bright personality and smile are the physical embodiment of the “Sunshine State” we reside in, and if you’re not able to experience his vibrations in person, his music exudes that very essence.
Originally starting out as a poet, Rawby was drawn to music from his adoration of composing his inner abstractions, appreciation for instrumental music and high regard for rapper Lupe Fiasco.
Fiasco’s sound is one that is archetypal, and Rawby’s own study of Fiasco’s style has allowed Rawby to tap into his own internal monologue to produce material that’s insightful and ingenius. Rawby’s favorite song that he’s created thus far has been “Comatose,” and its impact has spread beyond superficial listening.
“[My engineer] told me at the time he and his girlfriend — now wife — were going through issues, and he would listen to ‘Comatose’ every day and he played it while he and his girlfriend worked things out,” Rawby said. “He credits me and my song to what saved his relationship.”
While his love for music is unwavering, Rawby has taken a brief break when it comes to releasing new projects — due to various factors.
“There’s a ceiling you reach here in Jacksonville if you don’t know the right people,” said Rawby. “Support from the city for me is more so seen than heard.”
While his stillness isn’t permanent, he said, he’s, “been creating and perfecting [his] craft,” emphasizing “what’s to come will be resoundingly significant.” His production and promotion of art doesn’t just stop with him, as he isn’t solely tied to his own ambitions. As the co-curator of Wine Down Wednesdays, he seeks to provide a monthly event that provides a space for singers, rappers, artists and entrepreneurs to shine.
“I see myself as full-time artist/curator bridging creative scenes between multiple cities and being sort of an anomaly in the entertainment industry,” Rawby said.
Along with other members of the community, Rawby has taken strides to empower the innovators in our city and beyond by watering a network for multidisciplinary creatives to connect and thrive; and Rawby doesn’t plan to stop as he envisions his future to embolden him.
He will also be using his own knack to contribute to an upcoming collaboration project with those who complete the Wine Down Wednesday collective.
With an unwavering support system and a hunger for releasing music, Rawby’s return to the Jacksonville music scene is highly anticipated. Everything he does as an artist comes from a place of spirited experimentation and the gusty approach to soaring beyond the fixed boundaries of songwriting.
“I tend to blend writing with freestyling. Sometimes I’ll write a hook and completely freestyle the verse,” he added. “There are different combinations that I use this technique with when it comes to song structure. It gives the record a fresh feel while also remaining coherent.”
His index of inspirations, which include Kanye West, Black Star, D’Angelo, Outkast, J. Dilla heavily contribute to his understanding of music and aid in his own establishment of storytelling. This mastery can be heard in his upcoming single “Are You Okay?” featuring QVilla. The song sheds light on mental health awareness and serves as a “Check-in on a very Florida boy tip!” Rawby NOTED.
To keep up with Yung OG Rawby and his endeavors, follow him on Instagram at @thatsrawby.
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