Respect, a vicious flow and bringing a fresh element to the game is what it’s all about for this 18-year old rapper on the come up. “A lot of people doubted me at first but look at them now...they on my dick,†says the new voice of Orlando — a deep, resonant and confident voice that strikes a nerve. Yamil is aiming to change the rules with undeniable skills on his debut album. A mash up of styles, regions and eras.
Born Isaias Mercedes, Yamil spent his early years in the Bronx and suburban Orlando. His story is a sure sign of hip-hop’s ever-expanding appeal from its inner city roots. He has plenty to talk about using elaborate rhyme schemes with a new kind of story — a true swaggered out kid placed into hip hop finding his way. He submerged himself in studying some of the most respected underground latin rappers — Lapiz, Polaco, and Chacka — crafting lyrics in the tradition of the great storytellers. “I rep 407 and Orange County,†Yamil says. “A lot of people think I’m only in the "safe" areas of Orlando. I’ll rep Westside and hang out in Eastside at the same time. I talk about partying, women, and shit that I know.â€
From Pops, Yamil learned that hard work ultimately leads to rewards, but it’s not money alone that motivates him. “Money for me in hip hop is both a gift and a curse. Pops taught me that my ‘self worth’ is more important than my ‘net worth.’ My struggle in the music business has been gaining acceptance in the industry. Some people forget that hip-hop has touched everybody on this planet. What I rap about is what I definitely live everyday – we all have complexities and problems in our lives. And that’s all that should matter – staying true and being real.â€
