Marcus Yates Weekly Update 2/15/15

Now that Valentine's Day is over and people are getting back to normal life again, let's check in with Marcus and see what he's been up to this week. 

Lettey: The internet is blowing up with questions about this new EP with Tech post on your Facebook. When do you anticipate recording to start and have you already begun writing for it? 

Marcus: It still has to be okay-ed by Travis and Seven needs to figure out the numbers, but Tech is finishing up his Special Effects album and he wants to do another project, then we'll probably get started on ideas. Right now it's just a mutual agreement between me and Tech to do an EP. I'm actually making a possible skeleton beat right now. 

Lettey: How is production of your current project going? Do you have an estimated release date yet? 

Marcus: I still don't because I'm still writing for it. I called to set up possible mastering sessions if that helps to know where I'm at in the process. (he laughs). 

Lettey: Very cool. We are all excited to hear what you're working so hard on. Will you be following any part of the upcoming summer tours or making any appearances? 

Marcus: Krizz had mentioned that he wanted to do something like a tour this fall. As far as me personally, no. I'm going to do another listening party. 

Lettey: Do you find that the season influences the music you're writing during that time? Like darker music comes in the winter and lighter music comes during the spring? (Album trends) 

Marcus: Yes, of course! That's how I tell I'm still tapped in. haha. 

Lettey: Did you tune into the Grammys? If so, what do you think about that kind of music or celebrity back patting? 

Marcus: Sadly, I did not watch the Grammys. (Marcus laughs). 

Lettey: It;s all good. You didn't miss much. Whose music are you playing lately to relax and get inspiration? 

Marcus: I was bumping Sade and J Cole. I've never really been a fan of his until this album came out. It's super dope. Don't forget Tech N9ne's Special Effects is coming out too on May 5th 2015!!

Marcus Yates weekly update: February 2015

I got a moment to sit down with Marcus about his plans for the new year and what 2015 has in store for him. Take a moment to check out what's coming ahead for Marcus Yates. 

Lettey: Let's take a moment to step back into 2014 and see what's been going on with you. How was your thanksgiving? Any special traditions your family takes part in? 

Marcus: I had a cool Thanksgiving, had a blast with my family. Me and some of the older cousins went to a bar, turnt up, and I don't remember much after that. 

Lettey: Sounds like a fun time. How is the album coming along and what are you currently working on? 

Marcus: I'm currently working on a video for my first single. Getting that knocked out here soon. The song I'm on right now is one that I'm doing with my homie Gee Watts from here in KC and another one I'm working on is with my sister Queen Eboneesaid. It's gonna be real FONKY. 

Lettey: Any new artists jumping on this album we haven't heard about yet? 

Marcus: Haven't gotten that far into picking artists except the obvious artists who automatically fit. 

Lettey: What does the new year have in store for you? Any plans for changes, improvements, or new ventures?

Marcus: I'm gonna finish the album and then learn the bass guitar. 

Lettey: That sounds like a great venture. Moving forward past the recent holiday season, is there anything about the Christmas season your particularly fond of? 

Marcus: Nothing out of the ordinary, just spending time with family. 

Lettey: Will the new year bring new merchandise for your fans? Maybe t-shirts or hoodies? 

Marcus: I've been in the talks, but almost everyone I talk to about it has wack ideas so far. I hate that shit. SMH. So still working on that.

Lettey: Well hopefully you find something that works. Your fan base has increased from 250 likes on Facebook to 1114 in the past year alone, how do you feel about this and what do you hope for going into 2015 and beyond? 

Marcus: I just wanna give the fans some thing new to listen to. 

Lettey: Do you have a New Years Resolution?

Marcus: To do an joint EP with Tech N9ne. For the new year I plan on having more of my work outside of rapping displayed on a major level. And it just goes up from there. I really wanna show people how free I was when I was away with my friends in Florida. That freedom will be show cased actually, I'm letting it be known. 

Lettey: When you say make that freedom known, how do you mean? Musically or in other areas? 

Marcus: Musically, but music is my life. We, as musicians ad artists, are good at symbolism. So someone can find freedom, in something, from hearing our music without limits. 

Lettey: Looking back at 2014, what would you say was the most memorable times you'll never forget? Any memories your glad to leave behind? 

Marcus: The mini tour, run during the summer, was cool with Krizz Kaliko and Makzilla. That was in the Northwest. I never would have found out about Port Townsend without that tour. There's nothing bad that I would wanna leave behind though. 

Lettey: What did you do at midnight on New Year's Eve? 

Marcus: I recorded some vocals for my album. Holidays Schmolidays haha. Like, they're there and a good way to stay connected with family, but everyday is a holiday. No cliche. 

Lettey: Let's give the fans something new about you to start 2015 with. What's something the fans may not know about you that would surprise them? 

Marcus: I took ballet for four years. Best thing I ever did to my body. 

Lettey: Well 2015 is already turning out in your favor. With talk about your upcoming album and EP with Tech N9ne, your new years resolution is already coming to completion. The fans are anxiously waiting what you put out this year and we see a bright future for Marcus Yates, a man with a vision and the freedom to make it a reality. 

Marcus Yates new EP with Tech?

Recently Marcus Yates, cousin of rapper Aaron Yates aka Tech N9ne, made a Facebook comment that there may be an upcoming EP featuring him and Tech exclusively. 

Facebook rumors starting flying and fans became excited at this possible concept? Fans are wondering when will we see this project? What does it have in store for fans? Who will be on the EP along with Tech N9ne? 

We will have some pretty amazing updates as information comes available, including exclusive photos of the project being made from Kansas City and private interviews. Please stay tuned for more info to come. 

Marcus Yates Weekly update for 10/30/31 THE MONSTER VERSION!

Lettey: "Marcus, let me first thank you for taking the time to talk with us again and give the fans some new info on what you are working on. Tell me Marcus, what's been going on with this incredible album lately?"

Marcus: "The past few weeks I've been working on more tracks for the album while waiting to get the two Tech N9ne placements in transition."

Lettey: "Anything in particular that stands out to you on these recent tracks? What's en-store for the album?"

Marcus: "The vulnerability stands out mostly. My need for love, my fascination with women, my ability to keep my head and not becoming a product of my environment." 

Lettey: "So the recent news hit Facebook and Twitter hard about Kutty leaving Strange Music. What's you take on this and will you continue to work with Kutty in future ventures?"

Marcus: "People grow. That's all. It's a business." 

Lettey: "Will you being doing any shows or tours any time soon?"

Marcus: "Not anytime soon. Still strategizing the music to make the performances and appearances make sense." 

Lettey: "So we're gonna go back in time a little while. Let's tell the fans a little about young Marcus. Who was your inspiration and what first moved you to the music scene?"

Marcus: "My inspirations were Michael Jackson, Deion Sanders, and my father playing football." 

Lettey: "Who do you see coming up in the music scene that may be new to it?"

Marcus: "Me. (Marcus laughs). No, seriously though." 

Lettey: "Any plans for a music video on this album?"

Marcus: "I'm currently planning a meeting with a great cinematographer by the name of Kendu to share some ideas on a video to my single. It's going to be crazy!!"

Lettey: "What song will the video be based on?" 

Marcus: "Ummm, I don't wanna say anything prematurely but the track is called I'm Alive and all I have to say is I love it a lot." 

Lettey: "How are you feeling about your Chiefs season this year?"

Marcus: "They are doing well. When they do good this year, it'll be more believable for the ones who last year said their schedule was too easy in 2013. I'm with them win or lose." 

Lettey: "What's new in your life right now? What's been going on in KC? Any events or trips take recently?"

Marcus: "The atmosphere has been pretty cool. Saturday I lost my cousin. That's been heavy on my heart because we were the same age. Other then that, the Royals are in the World Series (this interview was done before the unfortunate loss of the final game on 10/29/14) and I'm trying to make light out of the situation."

Lettey: "Do you think with the state of everything in Missouri right now, that the people need this Royals win to reunite them and give them something to root for together?"

Marcus: "Oh of course. It makes us look forward to victory with anything."

Lettey: "Thank you for your time. Our last question tonight in honor of Halloween coming up, are you dressing up for Halloween this year and if so what are you going as?"

Marcus: "I'm not dressing up. I haven't done that since 2001. I might go with my nephews to get candy." 

Lettey: "Thank you and we send our thoughts and prayers out for the loss of your cousin. I appreciate you taking the time to talk with us and hope to hear more about the album soon. Until next time." 

(Lettey's Halloween Costume pic below. Khaleesi of Game of Thrones.)

Marcus Yates Weekly Update 8/25/14

It's time for our weekly update into the world of Marcus Yates. 

Lettey: "Hey Marcus, let's start with talking about your recent tour with Krizz Kaliko. Tell me about your first stop on that tour. Where was that and how did the show go?"

Marcus: "It was in Seattle. I love Seattle. We were doing a guest appearance for the homie Neema 10k. That was dope actually. It felt good to perform after being locked in the crib creating an album. I feel renewed. We killed it as usual (Marcus laughs). "

Lettey: "So from Seattle you went to Port Townsend, WA correct? How was the show and what stood out about that town?"

Marcus: "Port Townsend was a beautiful city. Period. So peaceful that I was kind of worried about what the attendance would be, but when the doors opened they rolled in and we had a ball for real."

Lettey: "Your next stop was in Portland, OR. Tell me about that show."

Marcus: "Portland was were I finally got to meet back up with YOU! (Marcus chuckles). It was pretty fun before, during, and after the show."

Lettey: "Ya I had a blast too. Denny's was fun, but we were all so tired by then too. But good times. Then you guys moved down to Albany, OR for the 4pm show correct? Tell me how that went and what you thought about Albany?"

Marcus: "Ya Albany was very unique. We performed in this gutted out mason temple hall looking place. Haha, it was weird. It was very hot in the venue from what I heard too from everybody. I was perfectly fine because I consume a shit ton of water before and during the show."

Lettey: "Wow, that's crazy. So tell me Marcus, what was your absolute favorite moment from tour and favorite song to perform?"

Marcus: "Man, the thing is the whole tour felt like one good moment, but I would say taking the ferry from Seattle to Port Townsend was very cool. That was my first time taking a ferry. The water surrounding us, the view of the city from afar, it was pretty cool. Oh and meeting NBA Legend Shawn Kemp." 

Lettey: "So now that your home are you going to take some time to relax or jump right back into the album?"

Marcus: "I thought about resting, but I'm gonna get back to the album. I learned so much from just being away from home in a different place in the world. I love that." 

Lettey: "Any shows coming up in the near future with you?"

Marcus: "Neema was talking about another run in November, but that's up in the air till future notice. Promoters are hitting me up but I'm kind of avoiding them until music is completed to make things strategic. I wanna perform when there's something to perform. Tweet when there's something to tweet. A lot of these tweets could be raps haha." 

Lettey: "So what are you working on with the new album right now and how many songs are complete so far?"

Marcus: "It's coming along well, going great. Mixing techniques are steadily progressing. Looking for DOPE edgy artists to work with to make every song epic."

Lettey: "Any idea who your looking to get working on the album with you?"

Marcus: "I'm searching. It's difficult because I'm picking to be innovative, not picking the artist(s) who fits. It's about making them fit to provoke. I want the creative process to be limitless."

Lettey: "How do you feel about what's going on in your state right now, my home state?"

Marcus: "I have nothing to say about it for real..I'm all about the betterment. I love Missouri, it's my home. I send affirmations to the universe to keep my family and friends safe at all times. I send my condolences though."

Lettey: "I can see how hard it would be to see this daily. We send our support and condolences too from Portland. Music can really change a nation and people's way of thinking. Tell me, who are you listening to these days? Who's playing in your musical collection?"

Marcus: "I'm playing Jermaine Jackson,m tAz Arnold, the SEVENth, and FKA twigs. Oh and of course my new tracks haha." 

Lettey: "So tell us what's going on in Marcus's dating life? The lady fans are very interested in knowing."

Marcus: "Not a goddamn thing. HAHA. I would love to have a women right now though. Haven't had nothing serious in a long time due to music and not wanting to feel guilty for abandoning my lady for music. It just saves a lot of heartache/headache. Like a women would tell you she's down for you being distant, but when it goes down, it's another story. So I just mingle. Getting a feel for women. Picking their brains and shit. Nothing major, but I'm solo dolo right now. 

Lettey: "Those are very true words. So tell me have you seen this ice bucket challenge and have you been called out to do it yet?"

Marcus: "I haven't and I hope I don't get called out. I heard that shit is cold as fuck!"

Lettey: "I agree, I haven't been called out either and hope not to be. I would rather see people donate any way. Apparently a young girl died recently doing this challenge too.  Okay, there are a lot of acts going around the US right now. Who are you dying to see live and why?"

Marcus: "I'm not sure I could narrow down the list, it's a long one."

Working Hard and Living Life: Interview with Marcus Yates 7.1.14

Lettey: Good Morning Marcus. Hope your doing well. Tell everyone what's been going on with you. What are you up to and working on these days. 

Marcus: Good morning Lette. I'm doing great. I've been composing and mixing. Getting my camera fixed to direct videos, and mainly mixing has been consuming most of my time. If I was just rapping I'll probably be performing, but the mix is more important. Oh, but I do have a couple of shows coming up with Krizz Kaliko too that I'm preparing for as well. 

Lettey: Tell us more about those shows.

Marcus: It's a 6 show run. I still don't know all 6 shows, but I know Seattle and Portland are two of them. 

Lettey: Tell us how you're getting through the recent loss in your family. Who's supporting you through this time?

Marcus: Everyone is getting through it well. She was such a big chunk of the soul in the Yates family and the service was so uplifting. She was definitely smiling. 

Lettey: Tell us about your new project. How's it coming along and what have you been working on? 

Marcus: I'm working on this CRAZY track right now. I'm thinking about it being the single. I can't leave it alone. I keep playing with it. The project is gonna be so wonderful. 

Lettey: Who have you been working with on this project lately? Any plans for any new guest spots? 

Marcus: Just Tech so far. I probably might work on something with Krizz. It has to all align though. Macy has to happen. There's just no way it can't. I don't wanna be the one just putting people on tracks because its there. It's ALL about quality this go around and I'm not settling for less. 

Lettey: Do you have an expected release date for the project?

Marcus: No not yet, it's next year though. 

Lettey: What are your plans for music videos with this project?

Marcus: I'm gonna finish the songs first and submit them to other visionaries and bounce some ideas around about it. 

Lettey: Do you have any words of encouragement for artists out there wanting to make it happen?

Marcus: Yeah, and this might be rude motivation but..."Shut the fuck up and GO!" haha

MARCUS SPITS THE TRUTH WEEKLY BLOG

This week I checked in with Marcus about how the new album is going and what he has in store for us.

Lettey: Tell me what your working on this week. 

Marcus: This week I'm working with a couple producers from Michigan. The Seventh, Joose, and Mozaic. When I went to Grand Rapids last week, we all vibed and bounced around ideas. So now we're sending loops back and forth, writing verses, placing sounds in tracks to give the tracks elite sounds, and just being great. Also placed some scratches on the track I produced for Lena Chanel.DJ Omega scratched for it. Much love to him cause everyone was telling me he doesn't fuck with a lot of people.You need people like that, that means they know in detail about being elite. 

I also did a feature with Michigan rapper Famos Aame. He gave me some real, in ya mouth facts in his verse and that song is completed. Been back and forth about whether it should be the single. 

Lettey: Any sneak peaks or clips for the new album coming up? 

Marcus: Um, no more clips until it's in it's entirety. I'll show everyone once it's finished.

Lettey: Do you have any shows coming up or appearances to let the fans know about? 

Marcus: Still no shows right now. I'm gonna work on setting a few things up with local promoters to do shows once the project is done. 

Lettey: What is one thing that has grown you as an artist this week?

Marcus: Simply just doing what I plan to do. I think I'm in cruise mode as far as mixing, placing extras to beef the tracks up, and connecting subject matter. I'm doing pretty good as far as not sounding redundant by being only a rapper who is better than anyone. I like how I'm tapping into my different styles. 

Lettey: Where and how did you get your inspiration while in Michigan? 

Marcus: AGO had an open arm energy soon as I got there. We were just bouncing ideas off of each other. Great recognize great. Easy. 

Lettey: Little change of pace for the fans, what's your favorite food? 

Marcus: My favorite food, hmmm I don't know. I'm allergic to peanuts and shellfish and I don't eat pork, so anything outside of that is cool. Working on dismissing meats and dairies altogether and going straight Vegan, but that's a process. 

Lettey: When life gets stressful, what do you do to unwind and get comfort? 

Marcus: When I'm stressing I meditate on being great, read something informative, talk to my close ones. I used to smoke, but being high started getting boring. So I just tap into my inner great and be. 

Lettey: What would be one major change you would make in the world if you could? 

Marcus: My answer for this question changes all the time, and honestly, I wouldn't change anything. If you know you're born to be great, just be great already. I used to get so caught up and dwelling on the negative and by doing that I attracted the negative to me. So I would just change me for the better. Folks are gonna be bad regardless cause great folks need something to decipher from. 

Check in next week for more questions and answers from Marcus Yates.