By The Mixtape Queens
“Don’t try to follow a trend or a sound. Be true to yourself. Make the music for yourself, your verbal journal."
Roots Run Deep:
Yunie’s journey begins in Augusta, Georgia, where she was raised by a strong single mother alongside her older sister. Her heritage is as complex as her artistry. With a proud Geechee lineage from her mother’s side and Jamaican roots from her father, Yunie’s childhood was steeped in rich cultural traditions. Her father’s career as a DJ and radio personality in Savannah, along with cousins in Jamaica thriving as reggae artists, meant that music, rhythm, and storytelling were woven into the fabric of her upbringing. Even from a young age, Yunie was surrounded by the arts. Her time at John S. Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School exposed her to music, dance, writing, and acting, reinforcing what she already knew—that she was destined for a life of creative expression.
The Birth of an Artist:
Before stepping into the world of music, Yunie first found her voice through poetry. Writing provided a way for her to channel emotions and ideas, but it wasn’t until she heard her sister read one of her poems aloud in a flat tone that a spark ignited. Displeased with the lack of emotion in the reading, Yunie decided it was time to take control of how her words were delivered. From there, her artistic focus shifted to spoken word and music. The transition wasn’t easy. She recalls the daunting nature of entering the recording studio for the first time, but once there, she found a new level of self-expression. Her initial spoken word project blended her poetic roots with her growing passion for creating music, setting the stage for what would become a unique, genre-defying artistic journey.
Trials, Triumphs, and a Hiatus:
After releasing a mixtape and gaining traction in the music scene, Yunie seemed poised for a major breakthrough. But just as she was about to sign with a label, life took an unexpected turn. She made the decision to step away from music to focus on her growing family. Although she remains private about the specifics, Yunie reflects on this period as a time of deep self-reflection and personal growth. During this hiatus, Yunie sharpened her vision for the future. She took time to reflect on her artistry and life’s bigger purpose, allowing her to come back stronger and more determined than ever. When she returned in 2022 with her debut album, 9, executive produced by Mark Byrd, it was clear that she had evolved as both an artist and a person. The album’s themes of resilience, self-discovery, and spiritual elevation resonated with listeners, marking a new chapter in her journey—one grounded in her roots and fortified by her newfound wisdom.
A New Chapter:
As Yunie prepares to release her sophomore album, she stands firmly in her identity as an artist and a woman. Her latest single, Steel, featuring Tish Hyman, is a testament to her growth and the balance she strives for in her music. She’s always been driven by a desire to stay true to herself, embracing both the militant, natural persona she was known for as Uni Verse and her softer, more introspective side as Yunie. For her, the key is balance—finding harmony between her evolving artistry and the message she wants to convey. As she continues to shape her legacy, Yunie reflects on her journey: "I want my legacy to be remembered as timeless. I know some of the things I say aren’t gonna resonate with some people right now, and that’s expected. It may never resonate, but also, one day you may be in a different space, hear my music, and then it’s like oooooooh now eye see!"
Her advice for aspiring artists is to stay true to themselves: “Don’t try to follow a trend or a sound. Be true to yourself. Make the music for yourself, your verbal journal. I guarantee you someone somewhere else is going through, has gone through, or will go through similar, and it could be just what they need to get through that moment.” Yunie’s authenticity and unwavering belief in self-expression continue to guide her as she navigates the next chapter of her music career.
We at The Mixtape Queens, believe in Yunie’s music and artistry. Her blend of powerful storytelling, cultural pride, and spiritual depth sets her apart in a crowded industry. Yunie’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and unwavering faith, and we couldn’t be more excited to witness her shine. There’s no doubt that she’s poised for greatness, and we’re ready to watch her music inspire and move listeners across the globe. Yunie is a force to be reckoned with, and the world better be ready.
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