IN CONVERSATION WITH YOUNG M.A.

interview by JANA LETONJA

After five years away from the spotlight, Young M.A. returns with renewed clarity, confidence, and purpose. Long celebrated for her unmistakable voice and uncompromising authenticity, the multi-platinum rapper is entering a new era with Kween, her most personal project to date. More than a comeback, the album reflects an artist reclaiming her narrative on her own terms, while embracing a lifestyle centred on sobriety, wellness, and long-term vision. As she prepares to reconnect with fans through an intimate East Coast tour, we spoke with her about growth, reinvention, legacy, and the next chapter of her career.

After five years away from releasing a full project, what made this the right moment to return?

I think there were a lot of unanswered questions, and I never really had the opportunity to share my side of the story. It felt important to finally do that. Music has always been my outlet, it's how I process things, express myself, and release what I'm going through. So creating this project wasn't just about making music, it was something I felt I needed to do.

Kween is a powerful title. What does it represent to you, and why did it feel like the perfect name for this chapter?

Kween is something I've been calling myself since day one, Kween with a K. I obviously feel like I'm a king and a queen. That's how I walk, that's how I talk.

You’ve described this as your most personal album. In what ways does it reflect who you are today?

I guess maturity, discipline, and being more grounded and wise. Just learning through all my experiences, overcoming them, and being human about it, you know.

During your time away, what did you learn about yourself as both an artist and a person?

I'm stronger than I actually knew I was. Life isn't always going to go one way, it can change and shift in so many ways. It's about being grateful throughout the process, getting to know God more, and understanding life for what it is because it's so unpredictable.

Was stepping back from the industry a difficult decision, or something you knew you needed?

No, it wasn't difficult. It was something I needed, something I've always been capable of doing, knowing how to fall back and find balance between my personal life and fame. It was about being able to get through it and move forward.

Your fans have remained incredibly loyal throughout your hiatus. How has their support influenced your return?

They've always been like family to me, so it just felt like the support was needed. I'm grateful for it. I was happy to be back around them and be able to express what’s been going on because there were a lot of concerns and unanswered questions. I just knew I couldn’t leave them like that, so it was definitely necessary. And, you know, we overcome those things. They've always been supportive, and I definitely appreciate that. I'm very grateful for them because they motivate me to keep moving forward and to be able to deliver this type of music to them. It’s something they can relate to and understand because a lot of people go through trials and tribulations in life. I just want them to know that even though I’m famous or someone they look up to, I’m still human. I go through things as well, and we overcome them.

Your new music feels both familiar and evolved. How would you describe the creative growth listeners will hear on Kween?

I'm always going to be me. That's just effortless, you know what I mean? It's just a different time now. I've matured, I've grown up mentally and spiritually, and that's naturally going to flow into my music as well. But I'm always going to be me. We just levelled up a little bit, and now we're speaking on things that, at this age, are things we should be talking about and experiencing.

You’ve spoken openly about embracing sobriety, fitness, and a healthier lifestyle. How has that transformation influenced your creativity?

A lot. It forced me to tap into a different mindset creatively. You have to find that vibe a little more now, without all the extras, but it’s always been in me because I’ve been rapping my whole life. It’s definitely a talent that I was gifted with, so it wasn’t difficult for me to get back in tune and get back on track with it.

What does success mean to you now compared to five years ago?

I think success has kind of always meant the same thing to me, but now it’s more so about being happy with yourself. Really acknowledging the moment and what you’ve accomplished, instead of chasing after something you’re not even sure is there. It’s about being grateful for what you’ve done, realising that, and continuing your journey. Continuing to build success, creating foundations for yourself where you don’t have to worry too much about what’s to come. And honestly, just enjoying the moment and appreciating the small things.

The music industry often expects artists to move at an intense pace. How have you learned to protect your peace while staying creatively ambitious?

Being private and not being oversaturated is just genuinely who I am. It’s not something I purposely do. I just find myself not really needing too much attention or approval from anybody. I feel like my music speaks for itself, and I have a strong support system. My supporters have always been there for me through all the circumstances I’ve been through, the ups and downs, and I carry that with me. That’s how I move. I protect my peace. I don’t feel like everything always needs to be shared, and I understand that not everyone is meant to have access to you or be welcomed into your space.

You’re also building a future beyond music through real estate development. What inspired that entrepreneurial path?

I guess it’s just that I don’t know how to stop. I feel like there’s no finish line for me. I’m always thinking about the next best thing, the next level. And, honestly, sometimes I get a little bored with things too. So I want to try new things, branch out, and explore different avenues. I know I’m very smart and creative, and there’s a lot within me that I haven’t fully put to use yet. I think I’m just trying to fill that gap, so to speak. Music is something that comes naturally to me, it’s second nature. I’ve gotten accustomed to this lifestyle, and I understand the process. I’m very competitive, I’m confident, and I’m always looking forward to new challenges and being able to accomplish new things.

You’re reconnecting with fans through a series of intimate East Coast shows. Why was it important to return in that setting?

Because that’s like home base. You have to tap back into that. You have to kind of go back through a full-circle moment and get that feeling again. It’s about rebuilding what you started in the beginning, going back to where it all began, and realising, “This is how it started.” Sometimes you have to revisit that place to find your motivation again, get that feeling back, and reconnect with that humbleness.

Most importantly, it was about being able to reconnect with my fans and deliver the music because it had been so long. It just felt like the right moment to do it.

What role does authenticity play in your music today, especially in an era driven by social media and constant visibility?

I don’t know, I just naturally do things the way I do them. I don’t really overthink what exactly I’m doing, I’m just doing it. At the same time, you have to adapt because the game is always shifting. You have to know how to jump in, get on the train, and ride with it. But through that process, I still have to be myself. I can’t lose that. That’s something that’s always going to be with me no matter what the situation is. It’s just naturally being me. I don’t look at anything like a gimmick. I don’t move like that. We just go in the way we’ve always gone in, staying true to who we are.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography CHAD LAWSON