An emerging talent of Australia's hip hop, beats scene, Yawdoesitall continues to build on the momentum he generated in 2020 (he was named as one of the inaugural BIGSOUND 50 artists) with his first release of 2021.
With production handled by Miinor, 'Test Drive' finds Yaw collaborating with fellow Sydneysider Tawanda on a jam about the lavish lifestyle rappers embody compared to reality."This is a fun song we made right before my solo show at Oxford [Art Factory] in 2020," Yaw says.
"Contrary to popular belief, we felt being a rapper came with a demand to have it all and own all the coolest stuff.
"With 'Test Drive', we say 'Pull up with a Chevy/ And it not mine' as we debunk these flashy expectations by actually stating the struggle of being cool, but having to borrow or rent some of the stuff we use.
"A mockery, but also a fun way to go back and forth with Tawanda, verse by verse.
"This is such a different track for me and validates my ability to jump on every record and still keep it Yaw."
Who is Yawdoesitall... Is a Ghanaian Australian hip hop artist, producer who lives in Sydney. I've been officially doing music for two and a half years. My musical style is evolving and filled with bright energy, flowery production and witty lyricism that creates a progressive hip hop fusion sound.
I sound like... With influences from the likes of Tyler, the Creator and J Cole, there's a combination of pretty chords and hard drums with a sauce of lyricism, intricacy and word play to the side.
My first gig was... New Age, July 2018, a show I organised at Sydney's Goodspace where I showcased photos and films I worked on, and at the end performed my music for the first time. Definitely came a long way after that.
When did you settle on your artistic moniker, and was it a unanimous decision... I initially went with Yaw, until I rebranded in early 2020. I felt everyone called me Yawdoesitall because of how my hands are dipped in different endeavours, so I decided it'll be easier and better to use that.
In the studio I... Usually work with my friends in the production part of it. Most of the time in the studio is spent carving and creating a beat or a feeling. And I go away to write my songs for recording later.
But I have had some instant hits made then and there in the studio like 'Armadillo' and 'Get It'.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be Tyler, the Creator. Over the years, I've grown to learn so much from his live performance and it's such an experience. His energy is something I would love to have around and learn from on tour and that's definitely a dream. But next to Tyler is Travis Scott.
Social media is... 'Nothing more than just a dark hole that complements my dark soul'. This is a lyric from an artist called Khary and as intense as this sounds, it's very true.
I do think it can be used for good, as I have to be on it for promo and music updates. But I do think it has played as such a detriment to society.
My favourite app at the moment... Has always been Notes. It's the safest place for me to write down thoughts, ideas and all my songs. I literally write everything on it and for like the last two years, I have like over 2,000 notes. So yeah, that's to show how much I use it.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... Still don't have one yet, haha.
Life on the road can be... Fun. I mean, still haven't been on the road yet but planning on doing so soon and I'm hoping it goes really well.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Snacks, heaps of water and we good.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Don't think I’ve been in a scary situation yet.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Kojey Radical. He is the closest to my music description and he can speak for me in any situation.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? London, because I'm a big fan of the style and culture, and I feel I will fit in very well.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Kanye, Tyler, the Creator and SZA.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? I would make some Risotto or some jollof rice.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... WATER.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Yesterday. I've become a regular gym goer over the last month, so yeah last time was yesterday.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Random family errands.
Do you have any phobias? I don't think I do.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Yes I would. And it'll be 'Too Hot To Handle'.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I would prank Tawanda and I think it has to do with something with his precious studio set-up. I know that's gonna get him good.
Yawdoesitall plays The Vanguard (Sydney) 24 March.
