Meet YSN | Radio Personality & DJ

We had the good fortune of connecting with YSN and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YSN, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Ever since I was a kid I’ve always been into performing and entertaining. In middle school, I went to an arts school and was in a few plays and played the trumpet and guitar. As I got older and started getting into music and DJing, it all came so naturally to me and I fell in love with it. Being a creative is the one space where I feel the most comfortable because I can express myself the way I want and make a living from doing so.

I’m sure I could always pursue different things, but doing what I do now makes me the happiest because I get to make a living doing exactly what I love to do and it’s all because I worked hard and believed in myself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I’m on 2 different radio stations in Knoxville, TN. I’m a full time personality and programming assistant at B97.5 and I’m a co-host for The Edutainment Hip Hop Show on WUTK 90.3 The Rock. It’s an interesting dynamic because they cater to two totally different audiences so I quite literally have to be two completely different people on each show. I enjoy it though because I get to exercise my range as a personality and connect with a wider variety of people.

I also host and produce my own podcast, YSN Radio, which is an extension of what I do on the radio. I love podcasting because I have more free reign to open up about different topics without any restrictions and I have full creative control over the content. YSN Radio as a brand has grown so much since its inception. I have had big guests on the show like Hitkidd and been able to take it to big events like SXSW and NBA All Star Weekend.

I also have a growing DJ business as well. Over the past year, I’ve been the resident DJ at a few different clubs and bars in Knoxville along with the Knoxville Vintage Market which is a reoccurring vintage retail and music event here in the city. I’ve also been very lucky enough to be able to DJ huge festivals and concerts for artists such as Finesse2Tymes, Jacquees, Adina Howard, 2 Friends, and many more to come.

None of what I mentioned was easy to accomplish, nor is it easy to maintain. The biggest lesson I’ve learned throughout this journey is that my success is 100% dependent on my work ethic and consistency. I have to put in so much work behind the scenes to ensure that I’m producing the best product possible whether it be on the radio, on the podcast, or when I’m DJing. I’ll always be my biggest critic because I always want to be the best at whatever I do. Once you have a quality product, people will gravitate towards you and so many doors will open if you properly curate and maintain relationships with the right people.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Knoxville is a very interesting place with a lot of cool things to get into, you just have to know where to look. As far as food goes, my absolute favorite place is Taqueria La Herradura. Quite literally the best tacos in the city. For a night out, some of the best places to hangout is Preservation Pub for the rooftop vibes and Southbound for the turn up, shout out DJ Eric B. To end the weekend off, you should definitely check out the Knoxville Vintage Market. They’re usually every other Sunday at a different bar in the city. There’s always a wide variety of vendors selling vintage clothes, shoes, art, etc. I’ll be DJing providing the vibes, I always do a blend between old school hip hop, neo soul, reggae, R&B, and house music. Every month they’ll also have special musical guests doing live performances as well. Easily one of the best events in the city.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s a lot of people who have helped me get to where I’m at today. My guy Juwc has always been like a brother to me both in real life and in the business. We ran in the same circles in high school and connected to do some music and have been tight ever since. Big Heff and the Nerve DJs have also played a big role helping me get in rooms like SXSW and NBA All Star Weekend and getting me in rooms with big industry execs and artists. Sterl The Pearl helped jump start my DJing career when I had absolutely zero motion going, I will always praise him for that. The big homie 2Pair Tate has always been one of my biggest supporters/mentors and I’m so lucky to have met him and be able to host the Edutainment Hip Hop Show with him every weekend. Also have to shout out my guy Big Zo, he’s been a huge part of my movement for the past year as well I’m very glad to have met him.

Website: ysnradio.com

Instagram: @realysn

Youtube: YSN Radio

Other: TikTok: @realysn

Image Credits
Vash Roy