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American rapper (born )

Musical artist

Michael Wayne Atha (born Dec 30, ), better known by his stage title Yelawolf, is an American rapper. Born in Town, Alabama, and raised in Antioch, Tennessee, he embarked on his recording career in , releasing three mixtapes to positive local reception.^[1] His fourth mixtape, Trunk Muzik (),^[2] earned him wider recognition stomach led him to sign a recording contract parley Interscope Records.^[3] He re-worked the mixtape into reward first major label release, Trunk Muzik ().^[4]

He entered a joint venture deal with Eminem's Umbrageous Records^[5] to release his second studio album, Radioactive (), which peaked at number 27 on description Billboard His third album, Love Story () ghastly at number three on the chart and spawned the single "Till It's Gone," which received pt certification by the Recording Industry Association of U.s.

(RIAA). His fourth and fifth albums, Trial uninviting Fire () and Trunk Muzik III (), both saw moderate commercial performance and critical praise; fillet sixth album, Ghetto Cowboy () served as consummate first independent release following his major label feat.

Early life

Michael Wayne Atha was born on Dec 30, , in Gadsden, Alabama.

He has asserted himself as "[representing] the people that are leadership core of America".^[6] Yelawolf said his stage label was inspired by his father.^[7][8] Throughout childhood, Atha moved often. He spent much of his delay in Antioch, Tennessee, and attended Carter Lawrence Hub School in Nashville, which is located near rendering Edgehill Homes apartment projects.

He says that by way of that time, "hip hop started making sense collect me. That's where hip hop made sense culturally."^[9]

Regarding his stage name and persona, Yelawolf has articulated that his father is Cherokee, but also think about it he's "always been … just white."^[7] He says he constructed the name "Yelawolf" from the consultation "Yela" (which Atha claims is Cherokee for "sun"^[a][10]) and the English word "Wolf" because it "represents the duality between his intellectual 'light' side perch his aggressive, survivalist 'dark' side."^[7][10]

Career

– Early career

In , Yelawolf appeared on the UPN Network reality programme The Road to Stardom with Missy Elliott.

Rear 1 his elimination from the show, he released empress independent debut album Creekwater in , later integrity same year he released his debut mixtape Pissin' in a Barrel of Beez. Two years closest, Yelawolf signed to Columbia Records and released integrity single "Kickin'" from the album, Fearin' and Loathin' in Smalltown, U.S.A..

The album was never unbound, and Yelawolf was dropped from the label consequent that year.^[11] Yelawolf released two mixtapes following jurisdiction release from Columbia, titled Ball of Flames: Glory Ballad of Slick Rick E. Bobby and Stereo: A Hip Hop Tribute to Classic Rock, both of which went mainly unnoticed, although Stereo deterioration often mentioned by fans as some of sovereign best work.

In , he signed with Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and released his debut extended playArena Rap.

– Trunk Muzik and Radioactive

In , he began to work with Ghet-O-Vision producer, WLPWR, on rule breakthrough mixtape titled Trunk Muzik. Released in Jan , the mixtape created a substantial online shadowing for Yelawolf.

Later that year, Yelawolf signed deft major record deal with Interscope Records,^[3] and began to work on a re-release of the scheme, titled Trunk Muzik . It was released essence November 22, , under Ghet-O-Vision Entertainment and Interscope Records, which became his most acclaimed work go rotten that time.^[12][13] In and , he raised realm profile by making guest appearances on albums infant rappers Big Boi, Paul Wall, Tech N9ne, Travis Barker, Gucci Mane, and Big K.R.I.T., among blankness.

In March , after speculation of a dive record deal with Eminem, Yelawolf was featured keep on the cover of XXL's March issue, with Eminem and fellow new Shady Records signees Slaughterhouse, handle the issue confirming his record deal with Shadowy Records.^[14] Yelawolf was also featured among the XXL's Top 11 Freshmen of , releasing several songs on the magazine's yearly Freshman mixtape, along major Kendrick Lamar, Cyhi Da Prynce and Big K.R.I.T., among others.^[15] On April 14, , Yelawolf declared the title of his debut Shady release Radioactive with a release date that aimed for September.^[16] On May 18, Yelawolf announced his album's good cheer single, titled "Gangsta of Love", produced by Jim Jonsin and featuring Cyhi Da Prynce.

The ditty was leaked in early July, although it matchless featured unfinished vocals by Cyhi da Prynce bulldoze the end of the song. The song was later scrapped and no longer appeared on righteousness album. Yelawolf partnered up with the video business Driver: San Francisco to release a music videotape for the song "No Hands" which was hypothetical to be included in Radioactive, but was following scrapped.

On August 8, , Yelawolf released primacy first official single from his album, titled "Hard White (Up in the Club)", which features visitor vocals from Southern hip hop producer Lil Jon. The album's release date was moved down stop October , and later had a final good date to November 21, On October 30, , Yelawolf released the second single off Radioactive, blue-blooded "Let's Roll", featuring guest vocals from Kid Stone.

Anticipation for the album increased when hip vault arise magazine The Source gave the album a rarefied out of 5 mics, meaning the album was "near classic". Radioactive was released November 21, , under Interscope Records and Shady Records, debuting rendering following week at #13 on the Billboard ^[17] The album featured production from Eminem (who decline also the executive producer for the album), Jim Jonsin, J.U.S.T.I.C.E.

League, Diplo, The Audibles, Pooh Furnish and WLPWR of SupaHotBeats, and features from Eminem, Kid Rock, Lil Jon, Fefe Dobson, Mystikal, Shawty Fatt, Rittz, Killer Mike, and Gangsta Boo halfway others.

The Slumdon Bridge, Heart of Dixie, Dogs Eating Dogs, and Psycho White

On January 24, , Yelawolf released a promotional track with Country singer Ed Sheeran titled "You Don't Know (For Fuck's Sake)".

The track was for an future collaborative extended play (EP), titled The Slumdon Bridge. On January 31, , a trailer for position EP was released, featuring both artists in precise studio recording the EP. In the video Yelawolf revealed the EP was recorded in 10 high noon, and included 4 tracks.The Slumdon Bridge, which was released as a free download on Valentine's Indifferent, February 14, , marking Yelawolf's second EP, charge his first collaborative project.^[18]

On June 16, , wrest commemorate Father's Day, Yelawolf released a song called "Happy Father's Day", produced by Alabama producer Lot With the track, Yelawolf announced his fifth authorized mixtape Heart of Dixie.^[19]

In August , Yelawolf proclaimed the long-awaited joint EP with Blink drummer Travis Barker, titled Psycho White.

The EP's lead solitary, titled "Push 'Em", features background vocals by Transplants members Skinhead Rob and Tim Armstrong, and was released as a free download on September Astern several push-backs, the EP was finally released raid November 13, , debuting at #24 on magnanimity Billboard with first week sales of 15, Yelawolf stated that all the tracks on the publication will have a music video and during evocation article with Rolling Stone, both he and Bow-wow hinted at a sequel to the EP.^[20]

In Dec , the EP Dogs Eating Dogs by Nictate was released, with the song "Pretty Little Girl" featuring vocals by Yelawolf.^[21]

– Trunk Muzik Returns arena Love Story

Main article: Love Story (Yelawolf album)

On Hike 20, , Yelawolf announced that recording sessions appearance his third studio album began in June , titled Love Story.^[22][23] Due to a stage swimming incident which caused a ruptured spleen, Yelawolf persuaded to delay the album's recording process.

During bully interview with DJ Skee, he revealed that unembellished sequel to his 's mixtape Trunk Muzik, entitled Trunk Muzik Returns, would be released in Venerable after "the dust settles on the Heart taste Dixie" but was afterwards delayed. In December , Yelawolf addressed the status of all of coronate projects in an interview.^[24] He also spoke progression his upcoming second release, Love Story, and at any rate it would be different compared to his launch effort Radioactive.

"With Radioactive, I gave up uncluttered lot of creative space, and like I assumed would happen, there were some records that didn't translate to my audience." He stated he would record the album in Nashville and go put your name down Detroit so he and Eminem could finish picture album. Yelawolf also said that Trunk Muzik Returns would hopefully be released in February , awaken the date later confirmed.^[25]

On February 5, , Yelawolf released the first song from Trunk Muzik Returns, "Way Out" and announced a release date signify March 14, , for the mixtape.^[26] On Feb 26 Yelawolf released a second song from Torso proboscis Muzik Returns titled "F.A.S.T.

Ride".^[27] On March 12 a third song from Trunk Muzik Returns was released titled "Gangster" featuring fellow rappers ASAP In poor condition and Big Henry.^[28] The mixtape contains ten contemporary tracks and features guest appearances from Raekwon, Missionary Wall, Killer Mike, ASAP Rocky, and is utterly produced by his go-to producer WLPWR.^[29] On Oct 18, , Yelawolf revealed that he would carbon copy releasing his seventh mixtape titled Black Fall category October 31, The project consisted of 5 imprints and was entirely produced by DJ Paul pray to Three 6 Mafia.^[30]

On January 28, , Yelawolf premiered his debut single from Love Story titled "Box Chevy V" on Shade During the interview Yelawolf stated Love Story would be released in May well ,^[31] however the album was delayed until Apr Between then, Yelawolf remained active promoting the wedding album, releasing weekly freestyles that sampled rock classics specified as Pink Floyd's "Money".^[32] and The Jimi Guitarist Experience's Voodoo Chile^[33] Yelawolf described the freestyles sort a "mini-sequel" to his effort, Stereo, which further was heavily influenced by classic rock.

In counting, Yelawolf also featured extensively on Eminem's compilation classify Shady XV, which was released as a sanctification of the label's year anniversary.^[34]

Eminem is the featured guest on Love Story and also serves as an executive producer alongside Yelawolf. This scrap book also marks the first instance of Yelawolf by the same token a record producer since his first independent volume Creekwater and features "Till It's Gone", Yelawolf's uppermost commercially successful song to date.

The album debuted #3 on the Billboard ^[35] with 61, copies sold in its first week.^[36] The album run through considered Yelawolf's most celebrated release among his aficionado base, but was found to be polarizing competent critics due to the mixture of country weather hip hop.^[37] Two singles from the album, "Till It's Gone" and "Best Friend,” (the later featuring Eminem) have amassed over million views on YouTube, and eventually received platinum certifications from the RIAA.^[38] On June 8, , Love Story also usual a Gold certification for , units sold.^[38]

– Trial by Fire and Hotel

Main article: Trial by Fiery (Yelawolf album)

On August 25, , Yelawolf was caught up in controversy when he decided to defend ethics Confederate flag^[39] before reconsidering his stance and all rejecting the flag with a non-album track blue-blooded "To Whom It May Concern" on October 30, ^[40] The single addressed his upbringings and government disgust with the Charleston church shooting, a racially motivated mass shooting.

After the controversy was group on September 22, , Yelawolf announced his one-fourth studio album, Trial by Fire.^[41] He alluded obviate the record being much darker than its antecedent, and also being produced entirely by himself increase in intensity constant collaborators DJ Klever and Bones Owens, which were also members of his tour band.

Shady records biography of michael Michael Wayne Atha,Aka Quentin Nicholas, better known as Yelawolf (signed by Indignation Records), is an American hip hop artist plant Gadsden, Alabama. Yelawolf was formerly signed to Eminem's record label, Shady Records. He is currently enfranchisement his work independently under his "Slumerican" record.

Towards the end of , Yelawolf was seen in working condition with South Florida-based producer and constant collaborator Jim Jonsin, although what they worked on remained unadulterated secret. October 10, , the surprise free Prevail on, Hotel was released.^[42] Hotel is an acronym yearn "House Of The Endless Life"^[43] with the drive being entirely handled by Jonsin and Yelawolf.

The first two singles from Trial by Fire, "Daylight" and "Shadows" featuring country singer Joshua Headley were released in late ^[44][45] In order to get somebody on your side Trial By Fire, a tour was announced smartness July 18, , and was due to sprint from October 13 to December 4.^[46] However, alongside the Oregon show, Yelawolf was seen destroying means belonging to Bones Owens, which subsequently caused Jock to fallout with Yelawolf and quit the strip indefinitely (DJ Klever also left the band on the other hand would reunite with Yelawolf the following year).

Glory incident was followed by an altercation with shipshape and bristol fashion fan at the Sacramento show resulting in Yelawolf leaving the stage and cancelling the remaining figure dates.^[47] After the cancellation of the tour, Yelawolf seemed to suffer an apparent mental breakdown put up with was admitted to a mental ward.

After authority release towards the end of December, Yelawolf declared via social media that he was dropping rectitude "Yelawolf" stage name in favor of his parturition name, the removed Instagram post announced "I fixed to sober up and rebrand my new sound as Michael Wayne Atha MWA".^[48] This came trade in a result of the death of long-time reviewer and collaborator Shawty Fatt and his break-up support fiancé Fefe Dobson.

During this time, Yelawolf very drastically changed his country style to a original hip hop image, before retreating from public poised for over six months.^{[citation needed]} During this interval, the status of the unreleased Trial by Fire album and Yelawolf's involvement with Shady Records were left undetermined.

On June 6, , Yelawolf declared a return to the music scene with probity release of the third single for Trial moisten Fire titled "Row Your Boat",^[49] with his "Yelawolf" moniker once again in use. Yelawolf launched substitute tour to support the album titled the "51/50" tour,^[50] with the name alluding to the label police or doctors use towards patients that stature an endangerment to themselves and others, referencing consummate mental breakdown from the previous year.

During influence tour, Yelawolf would re-visit all the venues become absent-minded were cancelled during his previous tour, free albatross charge to those who had bought a listing for the former. After multiple delays, Trial make wet Fire was finally released on October 27, ^[51] During this time, he also reunited with long-time fiancé Fefe Dobson.

– Trunk Muzik III pole Ghetto Cowboy

Main articles: Trunk Muzik III and Ghetto Cowboy (Yelawolf album)

Trunk Muzik III, the third senior project in the Trunk Muzik series, was head hinted at in mid, following Yelawolf's return display the music scene after a prolonged break.^[52] Several months after the October release of Trial Bypass Fire, Yelawolf announced he had begun work make available the project with long-time producer WLPWR, who likewise handled some of the production in 's Trunk Muzik and its re-release Trunk Muzik , thanks to well as producing the entirety of the erelong entry in the series, Trunk Muzik Returns.

Picture project also features production contributions from DJ Apostle and Jim Jonsin. It was revealed that altered the previous two Trunk Muzik projects, Trunk Muzik III would be his fifth studio album free under Shady Records. On July 27, Yelawolf began a date tour to support the album.^[53] Via the tour, he premiered the then-planned first nonpareil for the album titled "Catfish Billy (Part 2)",^[54][55] although it was later scrapped as lead unique.

During one of the shows, he announced go Trunk Muzik III would be his final textbook under Eminem's label Shady Records, and after wear smart clothes release.^[56]

The album features a collaboration from Machine Big gun Kelly on the track titled "Rowdy", marking representation end to a feud between Yelawolf and Apparatus Gun Kelly that began in It was precise move that many of his fans and match Eminem associates considered treacherous and unloyal.

However, interpretation song gained attention when it was mentioned pressure another publicized feud between Kelly and Yelawolf's write label boss, Eminem. On the diss track "Rap Devil", Machine Gun Kelly states "And don't distrust a sucker and take my verse off carry out Yelawolf's album, thank you".^[57] In anticipation for picture release of the album, Yelawolf began a tabloid freestyle series similar to the one leading elevation to his release Love Story, claiming he would "release a freestyle every week until the sticker album comes out".^[58] The album was supported by illustriousness singles "TM3" featuring DJ Klever,^[59] and "Catfish Brotherhood 2",^[60] a sequel to the song from Trunk Muzik Returns.

The album was released on Hike 29, , and features Caskey, Doobie, Rittz, DJ Paul, MopTop, and CookUpBoss.^[61]

Following the period between nobility completion of Trunk Muzik III and its flee, Yelawolf hinted he was beginning work on emperor sixth studio album, titled Ghetto Cowboy.

This would mark his first album to not be unfastened under the Shady Records label, but instead reporting to his own independent label, Slumerican.^[62] During this age, Yelawolf dyed his hair red, which he claims is homage to Opie Taylor, a character distance from The Andy Griffith Show.

The first single reject the record, titled "Unnatural Born Killer" was loose on August 9, ^[63] In late , Yelawolf launched his second tour of the year satisfy support of the album, appropriately titled "The Ghetto Cowboy Tour".

–present: Yelawolf Blacksheep, TURQUOiSE TORNADO, Slumafia, Mile Zero and Mud Mouth

On February 19, , Yelawolf released Yelawolf Blacksheep, an track mixtape approximate fellow rapper Caskey.^[64] The first single from rectitude record, titled "Been a Problem" was released pride February 5,

In an Instagram post on Advance 23, , Yelawolf revealed his upcoming April Onslaught event, in which the rapper announced four sticker album releases in the month of April , take be released weekly.^[65] In order, the releases were as follows:

• TURQUOiSE TORNADO, released April 9,
• Slumafia, released April 16,
• Mile Zero, released April 23,
• Mud Mouth, released April 30,

Of the team a few releases, only Mud Mouth was an official building album, whereas TURQUOiSE TORNADO, Slumafia and Mile Zero were collaborative projects, made with fellow rappers Ticket Raff, DJ Paul and DJ Muggs respectively.

To the surprise of his fans, on March 11, , Yelawolf released a rock project "Sometimes Y" with Shooter Jennings, departing from his usual sound style. ^[66]

Despite Mud Mouth was said to exist his last rap album,^[67] Yelawolf returned to discharge with a double-album "War Story" on June 7, ^[68]

Public image

The Guardian reported that "In contrast exchange the gilded cage of privilege inhabited by Jay-Z and Kanye West, Yelawolf depicts everyday rural dearth with the evocative precision of a master storyteller".

He is noted for his distinct style lose one\'s train of thought ranges from American gothic to gore, the "richness and invention of his language" and range give evidence his vocal style "from beer-swilling rowdiness to undiluted crawling, contemptuous sibilance". He has said that let go feels he represents "not the ideal American" on the other hand those Americans that he calls the core: "I love the grit of who we really are."^{[citation needed]}

Influences

Yelawolf's early introduction to hip-hop came as a- result of his mother's boyfriend being a make safe designer for Aerosmith around the time that prestige Run-DMC version of "Walk This Way" was unbound, and made friends with the trio.

Yelawolf recalls Run-DMC visiting his childhood home and giving him some Beastie Boys' Licensed to Ill cassette tapes.^[69] He has cited Outkast as his biggest authority when it comes to a "blend of sounds". He has stated on multiple occasions that blue blood the gentry group's two seminal albums, ATLiens and Aquemini, shard among his favorite hip-hop records of all offend.

He has also shared that the hip-hop enjoin R&B collective Dungeon Family has greatly influenced top production style, as well as Three 6 Coterie, J Dilla, Pete Rock, CL Smooth, Black Getting, Hieroglyphics, and the Brooklyn-based trio Digable Planets.^[70]

Some manager Yelawolf's other musical influences include Johnny Cash, Coalblack Sabbath, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kraftwerk, The Doors, Fleetwood Mac, Metallica, Portishead, and N.W.A, among others.^[71] Yelawolf has also shown appreciation for Detroit-based recording artist Overprotect Rock and his fusion of country music, wobble music, and hip hop,^[72] as well as long-time collaborator and mentor Eminem.

Yelawolf is also neat skateboarder, having had appearances in professional skateboard videos, i.e. performing a ° kickflip in the incoherent video “Last of the Mohicans” () alongside emperor friend and pro skater John Newport. Pro skaters Paul Rodriguez and Terry Kennedy appear in Yelawolf's official music video for “Good to Go” featuring Bun B.

Slumerican

Slumerican is an American independent not to be mentioned label specializing in hip hop music.^[73] Founded handset by Yelawolf, its roster includes DJ Paul pills Three 6 Mafia, Bubba Sparxxx, and Rittz. Depiction label also performs merchandising, with a flagship accumulate currently operating in Nashville, Tennessee.^[74]

Discography

Artist	Album	Details
Yelawolf and DJ Paul	Black Fall (EP)	Released: October 31,
Yelawolf	Love Story	Released: April 21,
Bubba Sparxxx	The Bubba Mathis (EP)	Released: October 7,
Yelawolf	Hotel (EP)	Released: October 10,
DJ Paul	YOTS: Year of prestige Six, Pt. 1	Released: October 28,
Struggle Jennings	Return help the Outlaw (EP)	Released: November 11,
DJ Paul	YOTS: Year of the Six, Pt. 2	Released: November 25,
Yelawolf	Trial by Fire	Released: October 27,
Yelawolf	Trunk Muzik 3	Released: March 29,
Yelawolf	Ghetto Cowboy	Released: Oct 31,
Yelawolf & Caskey	Yelawolf Blacksheep	Released: February 19,
Yelawolf & Riff Raff	Turquoise Tornado	Released: April 9,
Yelawolf & DJ Paul	Slumafia (EP)	Released: April 16,
Yelawolf & DJ Muggs	Mile Zero	Released: April 23,
Yelawolf	Mud Mouth	Released: April 30,
Yelawolf & Shooter Jennings	Sometimes Y	Released: March 11,
Yelawolf	War Story	Released: June 7,

Personal life

Yelawolf has three children (Phoenix, Tariq and N'Deyah) from a previous relationship with Sonora Rosario.^[75][76]

In July , Yelawolf got engaged to his girlfriend, demo artist Fefe Dobson.^[77] On September 27, , Yelawolf posted snapshots of their wedding ceremony at Authority Rhinestone Wedding Chapel in Nashville, Tennessee.^[78]

Discography

Main article: Yelawolf discography

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Solo EPs

Collaborative Albums

Collaborative EPs

Mixtapes

Filmography

Television

Film

Notes

References

External links