YFN Lucci: The Fly Guy

Atlanta rapper YFN Lucci has the makings of a superstar: confidence, talent, and drive. He recently spoke with model and actress Toccara Jones to discuss all things music, and how he plans to change the game.

Photography by Phil’s Art and Photography

Fashion: Darius Baptist

The young, fly, and oh so stylish rapper Rayshawn Bennett, better known as YFN Lucci came on to the music scene just a few years ago and from the looks of it he won’t be going anywhere any time soon. His hit records “Everyday We Lit”, featuring PnB Rock, and “Key to the Streets”, featuring Migos and Trouble, caught our ear and we haven’t stopped listening. Now with his major label debut “Ray Ray from Summerhill”, Lucci gives us insight into his life, his struggle, and how his grind to the top has never stopped.

Lucci: Thanks so much. It’s been a journey that we’ve been on, and I feel like I’m just getting started.

I’ve been in love with music since the age of five, but when I turned nine years old I had a tape recorder and actually began recording myself rapping.

I did because I was young, but once I turned about eighteen and was in a studio with engineers and was able to really record and hear myself, that’s when I began to fully appreciate my voice.

I just turned 27.

My brothers for sure!

For sure, Lil Wayne, Jay Z, TI, and Rick Ross were just a few. I was drawn to artists with substance and real music.

Atlanta has soul. We know how to go and get it. Everyone here has found out how to master their own craft. Maybe the artists here are getting record deals faster or something I don’t know, but you have people from other parts of the country that have hard music as well. Atlanta is doing its thing, but we aren’t taking over the culture.

My sound is my own sound, and I carry my own lane. I appreciate the critics for saying it and acknowledging me, I don’t take it lightly. I rap about the shit I’ve been through and my music has substance, so I guess listeners can relate and they like my voice.

What can we expect with your debut release Ray Ray from Summerhill?

Hot music. I have features with Offset, Wale, Meek Mill, T.I., and other artists on the project. 2018 is going to be a big year for us, we’re about to take over the game.

My grind has never stopped, since 2014 I have dropped 2 mixtapes and 2 EPs. I have Warner Bros trying to give me a bag (laughs), so it’s only right that I put my people on as well now.  

I will be launching my own label, and putting out music from other artists that I know will change the game.

Stay grounded and humble, keep going, and always believe in yourself. Don’t let anyone steer you off your path.

I was always told to stay humble, take care of your family, do right by the money, and you will always get it.

I have a different type of support system; my brothers and my hood have always supported me and had my back. Even when I was just rapping in my bedroom, they supported me to the fullest, and that kept me pushing to make it. You have to have genuine people around you that will support your shit as of it’s their own.

The politics. I’ve learned that artists and people aren’t as real as they appear to be in their music. I don’t know if the game has changed them or what, but that was something new for me. I’m the same nigga from before the deal up to now, if you went to high school with me and I see you out someplace, I will shout you out before you call my name (laughs).I pay attention, I’m not on any Hollywood shit.

Growing up in Summerhill I was heavily influenced by Lil Wayne and Dipset. Those guys had their own sense of style and fashion and did shit the way they wanted to. We grew up on swag. I don’t know another nigga that’s flyer than me.

It’s only right for them to highlight the Atlanta sound. They should go from the old to the new. It would be great if I could be involved, but either way I will support my hometown.

Any plans to tour with Ray Ray from Summerhill?

For sure. I’m doing SXSW Music Festival and I’m going out on the road. Be sure to check me out at a city near you.

We’re not doing those questions right now (laughs). You just have to keep watching and listening for YFN Lucci.

Originally published in Bleu Magazine Issue #53.