Entertainment

Singaporean rapper YHB Sleepsalot makes Def Jam debut

The 19-year-old artist looks to 'find my own sound' within hip-hop through wordplay and melody

Updated 5 years ago · Published on 18 Apr 2021 4:00PM

Singaporean rapper YHB Sleepsalot makes Def Jam debut — YHB Sleepsalot is the youngest rapper to be enlisted under the current Def Jam Singapore roster. - Pic courtesy of Def Jam Southeast Asia, April 18, 2021

by A. Azim Idris

UP-and-coming Singaporean rapper YHB Sleepsalot recently released his latest track, titled 'Don't Miss Demo', his first single under the Southeast Asian chapter of renowned multinational hip-hop label Def Jam Recordings.

The release makes the 19-year-old the youngest rapper to be enlisted under the current Def Jam Singapore roster after collaborating with other hip-hop veterans such as SonaOne and ALYPH.

The song dropped on major streaming platforms last Sunday (April 11) alongside a music video, adding to the flourishing hip-hop ecosystem in the region.

YHB Sleepsalot said the theme of the track served as a note to himself, a reminder that one's aspirations can become reality with hard work and determination.

“I wanted to show my versatility. How I switch up the flows and play around with the melody. I can jump on any beat. Even on a trap beat, I can flow around and make my way through the snares,” he said in a press release.

“I want to find my own sound within hip-hop, something that I create that is totally new. I want to keep experimenting and pushing hip-hop further.”

YHB Sleepsalot began songwriting at 13 and started releasing original music at 16. - Pic courtesy of Def Jam Southeast Asia

The rapper notes that the track was also the result of producer and co-producer, RIIDEM and Flightsch's creativity.

The two producers are considered big names in Singaporean hip-hop with several hits to their names.

Although YHB Sleepsalot’s first few sessions were meant to be a freestyle track, the producers encouraged him to turn it into a single, owing to his delivery.

YHB Sleepsalot began songwriting at the age of 13 and started releasing original music when he was 16, using beats he found on YouTube, coupled with his self-taught production.

The rapper began turning heads after his song 'Karabujan' got the attention of SonaOne and ALYPH, who are both recognisable figures in the Malaysian and Singaporean hip hop scenes.

He later followed up track with other singles such as 'Terminal' and 'Blow Up', which earned him a spot on Spotify’s New Era: Asian Hip Hop playlist.

YHB Sleepsalot has opened numerous top regional acts including MK K-Clique, Kidd Santhe, and Tuju K-Clique. – The Vibes, April 18, 2021