The Rebirth of Yung Berg – New Label, New Artists & What Artists Absolutely Need To Succeed!

Yung Berg, is an American rapper from Chicago. He is of African American and Puerto Rican descent. His first single was “Sexy Lady” which features R&B singer Junior. Yung Berg had been previously signed to DMX’s Bloodline Records as Ice Berg. He is featured on the Exit Wounds soundtrack. His debut album Look What You Made Me was released in 2008.

How did you start? Give me the history on Berg in case they don’t know.
Well I’m from Chicago, the south side, I got my first break at the age of 14 or 15 from DMX. I was the first artist signed on Bloodline Records. Then I moved to LA when that didn’t plan out. That was when Sexy Lady came out. I was able to get it on the radio without a label and it took off from there. It was on Power 106, it just started blowing. It was like number one at 8PM which was a hot time. The call in rate was so good. Then I did a showcase there and a lot of labels were looking at me. But I decided to go with Sony because they gave me a production deal too. It was a good business move and it looked better on me.

What were some of the good things and bad things about dealing with Sony.
The good thing is you don’t have to pay for anything yourself haha. You get a lot more exposure as well. It was like a bank for rappers. The bad things are the politics, I’m sure my story is no different from other rappers. At the end of the day it was still an opportunity to take it to the next level so I used that to the fullest.

What do you think is the most important aspect of making a hit? What makes a song a hit?
For me it’s all about the melody. If the melody is right and the beat is on point, it’s there. A lot of people try to get caught up in the content and lyrics, but if your beat has to be on point first and foremost otherwise it won’t be a hit. As long as your hook and beat is crazy, you can say whatever you want to say and it’ll be a hit! It’s proven with a lot of the music that’s out right now.

When you were with Sony, who were you collaborating with at the time?
I was really focused on my own camp in house. I took some time off recently last year and I was able to work with Diddy, Lil Scrappy, Diamond. We did the John record for Lil Wayne, the hit single from Carter 4. I just really stay busy behind the scenes, so when I come back with my new team it will be solid.

Wow, that’s a lot of records man. In the last few years, can you tell me what you been doing with Young Fly Movement and what’s been your main focus?
I am just getting my stuff together behind the scenes. I am getting my producers in order and regrouping. I was able to reach out and sign producers and artists. Right now, it’s just all about being reborn. I was able to climb through all my challenges. I did a lot of collaborations with a lot of people, but the collabs I’m doing with my own camp are crazy!

When can we expect to see something new from YFM?
Oh definitely this year man. We are promoting one of my new singles right now and we are about to send that out to MTV and everything. There is a lot coming out this year!

What were the toughest challenges for you?
Just staying humble and staying true to yourself where my toughest challenges. It’s easy to get caught up and not stay true to yourself. When things change so fast, the most important thing is to staying working hard and staying humble. The hardest thing about the business is just the politics. A lot of times the labels may not see the same vision as me. Hard times make for a better outcome. You have to go through it to get to where you need to go. It’s all a part of the game.

Are you planning to collaborate with a bigger label or just head out with your own company?
Before the end of the year I will make a decision. But as for now I am getting my shit straight so I can get the best deal, not just any deal.

What do you think makes a successful artists now in 2011?
You have to have work ethic. You have to keep dropping videos and shows. Take advantage of the internet and all that. If you sit back and work with the internet you will be good. Your work ethic is the biggest thing at the end of the day.

Focusing on you, what is in store for YG?
Right now we are working on the new album right now and YFM. It is just a springboard for everyone. We have a lot of music coming out in November and just anticipating the drop for my new album bro.

What do you do on your free time now Berg?
I am involved with a lot. I am a entrepreneur. Music is really my everything. I am involved with production, talent and scouting. I live in Miami hanging with pretty girls and riding jet skies. I am mainly involved with my music 360 degrees.

Besides the work ethic, what do you work for in artists?
Just pure talent and drive is what I’m looking for. You can see star quality in people when you just meet them. At the end of the day it’s all about having everything together. It’s about your look and how you carry yourself. It’s about if you can appeal to the masses. That’s the only way. Can we sell you to the masses? Can you do all that? That’s what you need now a days.

Any kids etc?
No kids haha, just work and woman bro!

Last works from YB…
I want to put my message out there. If you work hard and believe in yourself and have faith in God and yourself, and you know it’s what you want to do. You just have to stay down and stay focused. You will be successful. Believe in yourself and you will accomplish your goals. I am living proof.