What is your stage name?
Yawnee Gunna
Where are you from?
Globe, Arizona, United States
How would you describe your style and sound as an artist?
“My style is raw, ambitious, and multifaceted. While my music has a hard exterior, there is often a deeper, positive undertone that resonates with my true fans. My sound is dynamic and difficult to categorize, with influences that align with artists like Rittz, Yelawolf, and Tech N9ne. I don’t confine myself to one genre—I create music that feels right in the moment.”
What inspired you to pursue a career in music?
“I’ve always had a passion for artistic expression. Coming from a musical family—my sister was a singer, and my father played guitar—music felt like a natural path for me. When I started making music, I knew I wanted to stand out, so I developed a hip-hop style that authentically represents my hometown of Globe, a tough yet charming mining town.”
Can you share some highlights of your music career?
“I’ve had the honor of winning first place twice in the Coast 2 Coast artist showcase, including an award for Best Music Video, which earned me a ticket to meet with Warner Music Group A&R in Miami Beach, Florida. In 2022, I also had the opportunity to open for Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Twista, and Twisted Insane.”
In what ways do you believe your music resonates with your audience?
“As an ex-heroin addict, I’ve struggled with addiction and mental health, and while I don’t always state this outright in my lyrics, those who have faced similar battles often recognize it in my music. My authenticity and perseverance inspire my listeners, empowering them to chase their dreams despite adversity.”
How do you approach collaborations with other musicians and producers?
“I frequently collaborate and enjoy working with different artists and producers. I believe that bringing diverse creative minds together enhances the music.”
Have you worked with a team in the past, or do you operate independently?
“While I manage much of my career independently, I’ve had significant support behind the scenes. My audio engineer, YB DaBagSnatcher, has been instrumental in my progress, even putting his own music on hold to help me capitalize on my momentum. Additionally, I work with a dedicated marketing team.”
Have you achieved any career milestones that you’re particularly proud of?
“My recent release, Wolves, has performed exceptionally well, receiving radio play, earning a golden ticket on the WhozFire podcast, and amassing 50,000 streams across platforms. One of my TikTok posts featuring the song also went viral, garnering 70,000 streams.”
What motivates you to keep pushing yourself as an artist?
“I’ve been in the music industry for ten years, and after facing numerous challenges, I’m finally seeing the success I’ve worked for. This is what I was meant to do.”
Have you encountered any major obstacles in your career, and how did you overcome them?
“Absolutely. In 2020, one of my shows was disrupted by gunfire. In 2021, I lost my business. Despite these hardships, I never gave up—I trusted the process and kept moving forward.”
How do you engage with your fan base on social media, and how does it factor into your overall strategy?
“I make it a priority to respond to almost every comment. Engaging with fans excites me, and I appreciate every interaction.”
What is your next single, and when will it be released?
“My next single, Take It Back, is set to release on April 14th.”
Where can people listen to your music?
Listen to Wolves here.
Where can people follow you on social media?
Instagram: @yawneegunna
