Yung L (pronounced Young el) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and performer.
Born and raised in Jos, Plateau state, he found his passion for music from in church.
His mother greatly influenced his decision to become a musician, first by introducing him to the church drummer, and later, to the church pianist (Meca-E of Square Records).
They both taught him the rudimentary aspects of music and how to play certain instruments.
He soon began playing the drums in church, and in Secondary School, Yung L started singing, rapping and performing at social events.
Yung L’s hunger for the stage made him join a music group known as Mac9. They performed songs by some of Yung L’s musical influences such as DMX and JayZ.
While attending the University of Jos Medical School, Yung L juggled school, improving his performance routines and releasing songs.
It was during this time that he met with other budding Jos artists - Ice Prince (now signed to Chocolate City Music), Endia, J.Milla, and Chopstix the producer. Together, they formed the GRIP movement, with Yung L acting as president of the Grip Music label. Grip music comprises of individual artists Yung L, Endia, Jmilla and chopstix, who are collectively known as the Grip Boiz- in the manner of the Chob Boys and WuTang Clan.
In 2011, they moved to Lagos, Nigeria to pursue their music careers full time. They have since become prominent features at various events on the entertainment industry's social calendar.
Yung L is a dynamic artist with proficiency in singing, song writing, “mouth” flute and drumming. He has worked with some of the industry’s heavy weights, such as M.I, Jesse Jagz, El Dee the don,Ice Prince,MoCheddah, Wizkid, A1 amongst others.
Over the course of his career, he has many notable collaborations with various artistes and is widely known for his unique sound, easy flow and memorable performances.
DISCOGRAPHY
- 2006 Released "Ewoo"- one of the biggest songs in the North
- 2009 “Freestyle Song” produced by E kelly
- 2010 Remake of Gyptian's“Hold U” ft Grip Boiz Ranked the Number 2 remake in the world by Nigerian bloggers.
- 2011 Featured on Ice's Prince smash Hit “Magician” and“Baby” on the ELI Album
- 2011 Featured on DJ Caise's smash hit “Shake Body” which got the attention of Quest Love from The Roots
-“Mr DJ” – DjAtte feat. Grip Boiz
- 2012 Red Rose
- 2013 FreeVybe (Major Lazar Remake)
- 2013 Fever
- 2013 Red Rose Remix Ft MI, and Jesse Jagz
- 2013 SOS
- 2013 Iyanya Ft Yung L Some More
- 2013 Gimme That - Ice Prince Ft Yung L, Burna Boy, Olamide.
- Stinking Shit Chopstix ft Yung L, Endia and Ice Prince
- Designer Yung L
Performances and Appearances
- Iceprince Album launch: ELI concert, Eko Hotel Lagos, Nigeria
- Industry nite, Oriental Hotel, Lagos
- Performed along-side Ice Prince and MoCheddahon a club tour in South Africa 2011
- Performed at the One Mic Concert at Brown's Café, Lagos
- Performed at the ELI concerts in Liberia and Sierra Leone
- Performed at the Blackberry Concert at University of Lagos
- Performed at the Beach Soccer tournament, Lagos, Nigeria
- Also performed at different school Proms all over Nigeria
-Performed at Jos trade fair - 2010
-Headlined Silverbird Rhythm 93.7 concert twice 2009/2010
-Performed at all end of year medical dinners at UniJos
- All Nation University Choice Award Ghana
-Ice Prince FOZ Concert, Shared a stage with UK based artists Chip.
- Jack n the beat Quilox Lounge 5th Edition
- At the Club with Remy Martin, Along Side Sean Tizzle, Dj Jimmy Jatt, Endia.
- The Chronicles of Ushbebe Live
- Maf Town Hight Joburge
Nominations/Awards
-Nominated as the HipHopWorldAwards(Headies) Rookie of the Year for his single “Red Rose” – 2012
-Song of the year “Freestyle Song” 2010 – University of Jos Awards
-Number 1 on Rhythm FM Jos “Top 50 songs of year”
- NEA MOST PROMISING ACT TO WATCH
- Nomination MTVMAMA award Best Video SOS
- Nomination City people Entertainment award 2014 Best Regge/Dancehall