In a new episode of Let’s Keep It 100, North Philadelphia rapper YM1000 joins the hosts for a wide-ranging interview that explores his evolution from the street to the studio, his shifting priorities, and his outlook on authenticity in rap and life.
YM1000 opens up about his early life in the streets of North Philly, sharing how his environment shaped him—but didn’t define his future. Though he’s been involved in music for years, he says he’s only recently started taking it seriously. Now off probation after five years, YM1000 says local law enforcement even reached out to him due to his potential influence in curbing violence in his community.
“I didn’t change. I just matured,” he explains, emphasizing a conscious decision to distance himself from past conflicts and focus on building something lasting. His music reflects that transition: less about beef, more about business.
Throughout the interview, YM1000 makes clear that beef culture isn’t part of his current path. “Most of that [beef] is fake anyway,” he says, arguing that many rivalries in the industry are manufactured and that many rappers are actually friends off the mic. He stresses the importance of moving wisely—especially when you have something to lose.
He’s focused now on creating stability through music and business, noting that he regularly receives calls from incarcerated fans who’ve discovered his music behind bars. Despite not having a massive following, some of his songs have surpassed 300,000 views on YouTube.
Family remains central for YM1000—but not in the traditional sense. He defines “family” as the people who’ve stood by him, regardless of blood. While he doesn’t carry grudges, he sets clear boundaries with relatives who weren’t supportive in tough times.
He also discusses fatherhood, saying his goal now is to “live for his kids, not die for them”—a shift in mindset that has changed how he approaches risk and responsibility.
YM1000 touches on relationships—both professional and romantic. He discusses friction with other podcasters and industry figures whom he feels have chosen sides, and admits he prefers to date women who are already established and have something to lose.
He also mentions traveling with security when out of state and confirms he doesn’t check in with local groups, reflecting a self-reliant approach to his public presence.
When it comes to musical style, YM1000 favors street rap that focuses on hustling and money-making over the trend of drill music, which he says too often glorifies disrespecting the dead. He values clever, detailed lyricism over shock value or violence, aligning with his overall theme of growth and maturity.
In one of the episode’s most candid segments, YM1000 and the hosts discuss relationships, including trust issues and phone-checking habits. YM1000 admits to thoroughly vetting a woman’s phone before getting serious, and says he wouldn’t accept being cheated on—even if he cheated first—because of how deeply he overthinks betrayal.
Their conversation on women touches on preference for discretion, loyalty, and emotional safety, with YM1000 admitting he wouldn’t “cuff” a woman known for being promiscuous, though he also notes that love can override judgment.
YM1000 defines success not only as financial freedom, but also as the ability to generate wealth passively and help others in his community do the same. He wants to loop others into his growing platform—especially fellow artists from his area—and sees himself as part of a wider effort to shift perspectives in his neighborhood.
Ramadan, he says, was a turning point in helping him view life more holistically. He credits conversations with positive influences for pushing him to prioritize patience, humility, and faith as part of his business mindset.
The episode closes with YM1000 reflecting on the podcast’s conversational format—likening it to a barbershop vibe—and expressing interest in bringing fellow artists onto the platform. He also reiterates the importance of faith, particularly for young Muslim men, saying it’s essential to stay “on your dean” even while navigating success and exposure.
