Boston’s music scene has been steadily gaining momentum in recent years, with women increasingly at the forefront. The latest episode of the Highstreet podcast highlights one of the city’s rising voices: Yanna G, a 21-year-old R&B/soul artist, alongside her manager Ike, founder of nonprofit 617 Peak and a professional basketball player.
The conversation opens with the premiere of a brand-new track produced by Dallas, setting the tone for an in-depth discussion about artistry, growth, and navigating Boston’s creative community.
Yanna cites legends like Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, and Black Odyssey as key influences, shaping her distinct “old soul” sound that often makes listeners assume she’s older than 21. Music runs in her family, her father rapped in the group 55th Regiment and instilled his “swag,” while her mother provided the “attitude and energy” that define her presence today.
Her artistry is rooted in authenticity. She emphasized the importance of staying true to her vision while acknowledging the compromises that come with collaboration. Much of Yanna’s music reflects her personal journey. Her debut album centered on heartbreak, solitude, and the process of closing herself off emotionally after a difficult breakup. Now, with a forthcoming “volume two,” she shifts focus toward growth and re-opening herself to new experiences. She credits the painful transition with teaching her self-love and perspective, contrasting with the high expectations she had growing up watching her parents’ long-term relationship.
The conversation also explored broader challenges artists face in the streaming era. Yanna and Ike spoke about the importance of building genuine fan connections beyond numbers, with strategies like direct-to-consumer engagement. They raised concerns about the rise of AI-generated music, stressing that authentic human artistry must remain central.
The episode celebrated Boston’s vibrant scene, particularly the influence of women artists shaping its direction. Yanna’s success is emblematic: she won the Boston Music Award for New Artist of the Year, performed at a Celtics halftime show, and continues to build her reputation. Other local talents, such as Nay Speaks, were also recognized, with acknowledgment of the trailblazing women who made the path possible.
