In this raw and emotional episode of ‘The Dawg House Podcast’, the YBC collective, a rap group hailing from Philadelphia, dives into their personal experiences, discussing the highs and lows of their journey. From the devastating loss of their close friend and fellow artist, to their role in shaping the city’s evolving drill music scene, the conversation offers an intimate look at the group’s dynamics and the challenges they face.
The crew reflects on the heart-wrenching death of their friend D, sharing how they received the news just 15 minutes after speaking with him. The emotional impact of this loss is palpable as they describe the grief and shock that followed. They also touch on the larger pattern of loss within their community, mentioning other friends they’ve lost. Despite the pain, they acknowledge that this lifestyle is something they “signed up for,” and it comes with its own set of challenges.
YBC, originally known as “Chicken Gang,” was born out of West Philadelphia’s “the Bottom” neighborhood. The group talks about their early days, connecting through shared experiences in their community, and how their collective journey began. As the conversation shifts to their influence, they proudly claim to have set trends in both fashion and culture, such as popularizing the combination of ski masks with glasses and Under Armour apparel back in 2019.
YBC also discusses the hurdles they’ve faced within the local music scene, including being “blackballed” by the Philadelphia industry. Their response? To expand their reach and connect with audiences in other cities. They offer a critical take on their relationship with media figures, such as Brandon Buckingham, whom they accuse of disrespectful interviews, and Kai Cenat, who they believe genuinely connects with the culture.
Before the music, the members of YBC were involved in sports, riding dirt bikes, and attending different schools across Philadelphia. Their deep roots in the community are part of what makes their journey all the more personal and significant.
A significant portion of the interview revolves around YBC’s pivotal role in the rise of Philadelphia’s drill music scene. They reflect on how they pushed the boundaries, particularly with the controversial trend of mentioning rivals in their tracks. They acknowledge their contribution to shaping the sound of drill music, even as others tried to capitalize on the trends they started. The crew looks back at how their early music, often filled with diss tracks, helped popularize the genre, while also creating a tension-filled atmosphere within the community.
The conversation also addresses the challenges that come with fame, including the weight of being a pioneer in the drill scene. YBC admits to feeling the pressure as others attempt to copy their style, but they express pride in their influence. One group member points out how some artists, such as a prominent rapper, have attempted to capitalize on their early sound, but YBC remains steadfast in their claim to being the originators.
As the discussion progresses, the group touches on how the drill genre has evolved, with some artists moving beyond diss tracks to focus on themes like money and lifestyle. YBC celebrates how the scene has diversified and acknowledges their own contributions to pushing it forward. They also share personal stories, such as a shooting incident that brought unwanted attention, how they navigated the aftermath and much more.
