Interviews

Published on March 1st, 2021 | by MuzikScribe

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Yummy Bingham: “Honesty, Inspiration and Unforgettable Moments in Music…”

Let’s start off by retracing your whole her-story — Tell me your whole inception into music; when did you first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for you?

I was born into music, or rather music was in me before I was born. My mother was a soloist in church, and everyone on both sides of my family sang.

Now you’re a native of South Jamaica Queens New York, correct? So growing up in the “World’s Borough,” who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Yes. My first influences from South Jamaica started in my grandparents’ house. My dad, Dinky Bingham, my uncle, Bernard Wright, uncle, Deezo from Basic Black, and godfather, Aaron Hall, were all my first influences.

You obviously come from a very musically rich background, of course, with your father being a renowned producer / musician, as well as having two living legends Chaka Khan and Aaron Hall as Godparents — So how big of an impact did these three individuals have on you choosing this as your ultimate career path?

Well, I first saw my dad producing at home before home studios were even a “thing.”Sitting under a console or on the floor of a makeshift booth, are the first impressions I remember of creating music. Singing in the choirs were one thing, but when I saw my Goddaddy on Arsenio Hall!? Something in me wanted to jump through the TV screen and dance and sing with him! My only issue was being TERRIBLY shy.

Did the three of them bestow on you any words of wisdom or great advice that you adhered to throughout your journey in song?

Aaron always told me I have nothing to be afraid of, that I was amazing and I just didn’t know it yet. Chaka told me I was a bad mu@!?fu#&$ and to never stop writing or get caught up in what record labels want me to be. My dad just told me to always stay original, “watch out for the wolves” and that I’m only as good as my last show.

Now professionally you were initially part of a group Tha’ Rayne and signed to Kay Gee of Naughty By Nature fame’s imprint through Arista — What became of that situation which ultimately led to you becoming a soloist?

I tell everyone that being in Tha’ Rayne was my four years of music industry college. Although it was during my entire high school career, it definitely showed me that I’m disciplined and a team player who knows how to switch roles and lead when it’s time. I’m very grateful for that experience and everything Kay Gee taught me about the grind and hustle of the game. He expected excellence from me every-time and trained me to pressure myself the same way. I learned that I’m good at being in a group, but that doesn’t mean it’s for me.

You also became known for your many outside works with De La Soul, as well as quite a few other Urban contemporaries— Talk to me a bit about this time in your life…

I’m honestly still being featured on some of Hip Hop’s fave rapper’s hooks. In the past several years, I’ve created and performed with Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica, Kardinal Offishall, Nicki Minaj, Cam’ron, Joe Budden Erick Sermon and more. As musical as my singing influences are, I still had a great influence of Hip Hop. I remember being about 3 years old, hearing Salt-n-Pepa, LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane and Rakim, blasting from my project window. And getting in the car was always a musical adventure, because it was everyone’s music but my dad’s playing lol! I was glued to Video Music Box watching Kool Moe Dee, EPMD, Public Enemy, really got me hyped! I was a baby, but that hard knock, boom kat (bap) was in me early.

Your pen game has always been super strong — When you sit down to write, where do you draw your inspiration from?

Real life situations inspire me the most. Whether they be my own or what I’ve witnessed, I lay it all on the song. If an artist has an idea they already like, it makes it even easier for me to bring to life. But I write my best on-site, no pen, straight off the dome. I feel like that’s what’s missing from songs today…the lack of content. There’s more to life than broken hearts, money, titties and ass. Just saying!

That being said, how would you describe and / or define the style of music that you create and perform?

My sound is subtlely aggressive, real-life feel good music. I can deliver any genre, so I’d rather not place myself in just one of those boxes.

In having said that, where does your moniker originally derive from?

My Granddaddy named me Yum Yum when I was born. He said I was really white, with fat pink cheeks and red fuzz on my head and I looked like a little Yum Yum.

Which brings us to now — As of late, what all exactly had / have you been up to, both personally and professionally speaking, during your time away from music?

As I mentioned earlier, I continue to feature on Hip Hop collabs and I have a couple of my own projects coming. I’m used to juggling for artists as a label exec, manager, writer and producer. Now, being all of that for myself is like second nature for me. I feel I may have to give a little more than just enough this go round to make up for my time off the scene. I’m a full time mother and wife, I mentor the youth, promote health and beauty brands on my social media, so I stay pretty busy.

I’m hearing there’s some new music on the horizon — What can you tell me about your upcoming material(s)?

There’s a project I have called For The Love of Hip Hop, where I rap and sing over classic ‘90’s / early 2000’s tracks. There’s another project I have called Been, where I demonstrate my deep roots in Funk and R&B, with colorful production and vocal depth. Then there’s a tribute project to 2 of my fave artists of all time called Houston/Jackson…and you can already guess what that’s about.

How then does this new music either differ and / or compare to previous works?

I stick to formulas that work for my sounds and my authenticity. So, I’m gonna let the people be the judge of that.

Switching gears here, how has not only the industry itself, but even more-so you as an individual, either changed and / or evolved since your whole inception into music? 

Firstly, I was 14 when I got my first record deal coming outta middle school. Secondly, songs and the sound of music were more about substance and less about vanity. I, on the other hand, am still a believer of substance, and the countless tragic events and victories of today give me more of a reason to stick to my guns. Don’t get me wrong though, I’ll body a trap joint with the best of them!

Longevity, what do you attribute yours to?

Self-preservation. I used to live the sex, drugs and Rock & Roll lifestyle. Thankfully, I switched it up and God blessed me to still have the voice and appeal that I’ve always been known for.

What do you want people to get from your music?

Honesty, inspiration and unforgettable moments in music.

Is there a hidden meaning / message in any of your music?

God. He’s mysterious, but always around. He resides in the sound and messages of my music.

Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?

I’d love to get into more acting and voice-overs for animation. I’ve modeled and have done some runway work, so I’d love to keep growing as a model and become more advanced in the fashion industry. I have a non-profit movement called “Anti-Bullycide.” It focuses on the youth and their influences from being bullied that cause them to consider or commit suicide. Pre-Covid, I would go to Boys and Girls Clubs, churches, rec centers on the East Coast, and demonstrate motivational speaking based on my history of being bullied and suicidal. I wanted to make it a national movement, but that’s still a work in progress. On the other note, I’m a DIY head and love to craft up home decor, and I’m skilled in hair care and styling for fun.

What has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?

Being on Jimmy Fallon was a peak in my career that meant and still means a LOT to me. The fact that I was being featured alongside Talib Kweli and Rick Ross on late night TV was dope! But, Jimmy Fallon actually being a fan of my work? That made me proud of my career.

Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans…

Some are surprised and don’t always believe it’s me when I DM fans back or reply to comments, and it’s the funniest thing in the world. But it’s really me!

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? Why?

My passion is great when it comes to writing and production. My passion is much greater when it comes to performing live and touching fan’s hearts and creating moments they’ll remember forever. My least favorite part of this line of work is imagery and the very inhumane approach taken to invade the lives of artists.

What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Don’t be like me, be and do better. Whatever you don’t know, never stop learning about. Learn from the experts managing your business and micromanage your career. Perfect your craft and maintain an identity. Most of all, keep God first and the rest will follow.

And, lastly, what’s next for you, Yummy?

I stopped speaking on what’s next because who can seriously predict that, you know? I guess we’ll just see where life and the music takes me.

Is there anything I left out, or just plain forgot to mention?

Follow me on Instagram and ClubHouse under @yummyb4u and Yummy Bingham. Got a few things coming up with virtual concerts, anime and my app, so be on the look-out!

Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?

Thank you to everyone at (The) HYPE Magazine for considering me.


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