Daily Inspiration: Meet Eddrick Warren

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eddrick Warren

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since I was a kid, I always had an ear for good music, and reading and writing were also my things. Around 2009-2010, I remember the rise of Young Money and became really into their music; that was when I started to love hip-hop. My dad used to play 2Pac and many West Coast artists when I was a child, but I didn’t really appreciate or grasp their music the way I do today.
I started my music journey in late 2019. My first song was a remix of 1takejay’s “Arco.” When I began, I told myself I would only do this music thing for fun, but I quickly fell in love with it, and it became a passion. I remember telling told my close friends and family that I was booking a studio session, they couldn’t believe it and thought I was joking, but now they’re my biggest supporters. I wasn’t very confident at the beginning, as you can tell by my delivery in my early songs and my presence in my early videos. Once I started to find my sound and get in front of the camera more, it molded me into the artist I am today.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has and it hasn’t. If you’re not educated on the business side or don’t have people around you to assist with business ventures, you’re bound to run into some obstacles. I’ve learned so many valuables lessons not only in the music business but also in my personal life. You also have to be very strong-minded and strong-willed, if not then the music industry may not be for you. In the beginning, I struggled with a lack of support from those around me, but I quickly learned that it’s all part of the game. The people you don’t know will often show the most love; most of my listeners are people I’ve never met in my life. I’ve also struggled with finding a team and have dealt with failed business ventures, but now my close friends and family are my team. They push me to work hard, and when I need them for anything, they’re always there for me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m an artist, and my music blends Hip-Hop and R&B. My most popular songs are “On Me” and “Call You Up.” What I’m most proud of is my growth, evolution, and determination. I recently graduated from CSULB and received my Bachelors degree in psychology. Working Full time while also being enrolled in school full time was definitely a challenge but it never stopped me from giving up on my passion and putting out quality work. What sets me apart is my approach and versatility. If you listen to my EPs, such as “Just an Artist” or “Westside Summer”, you’ll find a variety of music you can vibe to. I’ve always been capable of writing good lyrics, but my delivery and skills have skyrocketed since I began. I never want to be boxed in or labeled as just a “rapper” or “singer,” which is why I title myself as an artist. Part of being an artist is allowing yourself to be creative and not giving in to trends; my music and sound are very authentic. I’ve also been very true to myself and I feel like that’s what a lot of artists are afraid to do, I want to show the world that you don’t have to give into what’s trending to be viewed as a good artist, and if you do then what are you really doing it for? I want to be remembered as a good artist of course but also as a good person, that’s what’s gonna get you further ahead.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
My new EP “Just an Artist 2: Still an Artist” is on the way! September 2024. You find me on all streaming platforms under the name “YKJay”. My word of advice to any readers that want to start music is to stay true to yourself, your crowd will find you, and also to stay consistent.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ykjaytheartist?igsh=NGVhN2U2NjQ0Yg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ykjaytheartist?si=RsKLP4X6D74k1Njn
• Other: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/ykjay/1480148529

Image Credits
@skilosthismind
@jezuzdelarosa