Recording artist Yung Zaddie recently dropped a fiery single titled D a M a G E D. The single follows an array of hit tracks released by the rapper since 2019. 808 PLUG caught up with Yung Zaddie to talk about his artistry.
For our readers who are just getting to know you, who is Yung Zaddie?
Otshepeng Seokamo, better known as Yung Zaddie is a 19 year-old Hip-Hop artist born and raised in Litchenburg, in the North West. I’m on a journey to introduce a new sound in the South African music industry, with the intention of generalizing it nationwide.
What is the story behind your stage name?
It’s actually a funny story. Let me explain from the genesis. My stage name comes from listening to Nasty C’s Price City Mixtape and Bad Hair a lot. It got to a point where I started calling myself Young “Cizzle”, as time went by I removed the “o” in “Young.” After a year when Ty Dollar $ign released “Zaddy” I took a thought and went ahead to “Yung Zaddie”, removing the “y” from “Zaddie.”
You recently dropped a single titled D a M a G E D. What inspired the single?
D a M a G E D was inspired by Die Mondez’s single MOZEL TOV/ YUNG NIGGA, which was mostly influenced by YUNG NIGGA. I am proud of what I did with it.
When and how did your journey with music begin?
My music journey started when I was in grade 9, late 2017 – it was a crazy Hip-Hop year heading to 2018. This was when A-Reece released FMTYAOY, a timeless album! I was very inspired by the energy behind the records. The difference in the mood of the songs, coupled with the consistent flow was crazy.
Who are your biggest music influences?
I grew up listening to the likes of A-Reece, Nasty C, Cash Time Life, Cassper Nyovest and AKA. Internationally, I listened to the likes of Drake, Lil Wayne, Kanye West and The Game – who recently listened to my latest release D a M a G E D.
What are some of your all-time favourite Hip-Hop albums?
My all-time favourite Hip-Hop albums are A-Reece’s FMTYAOY, Cassper Nyovest’s Thuto, Nasty C’s Bad Hair, Drake’s Nothing Was The Same & Jay Z’s Magna Carta…Holy Grail.
What is your favourite song by yourself and why?
My favourite song by myself is MisFit, it is my debut single and has reached the OG himself, Slikour. I played it for him on his IG live and he liked it, that was a big moment for me! Not only that, it has been playlisted by NBA in an official match, with streams from United Arab Emirates, Canada, China, Germany, England, Malawi, Nigeria and Kenya, to name a few.
Which artists would you like to work with in the future?
I’ve always dreamt of being in studio with A-Reece – once it happens it will never be unheard.
What’s next for Yung Zaddie?
I am currently finishing a mixtape that I’ve been working on since 2018 – titled I Haven’t Started Yet: The Mixtape. I’ll be dropping in early 2022. It has interesting features and it’s going to be crazy. Meanwhile In Rustenburg is the first song I released from the tape. I am not done yet, more is definitely on the way.