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Artist Spotlight: William Young
His new track, “Stoner Like Me,” is the first single on his 2025 album Man on Fire. The song has a classic hip hop sound. Young’s deep voice is reminiscent of Dr. Dre, as is the keyboard melody line anchoring the song’s hook.
We sat down with William Young to talk about their creative journey, inspirations, and what’s next.
Loud Magazine: How did you get started in music?
William Young: It was always a passion of mine. Growing up, I listened to multiple genres of music. My grandmother would play oldies and my parents would play Spanish and English music. My father played several instruments and was in the service, so he introduced songs he would listen to overseas in the service. In my adulthood, it would be the late great DJ Kay Slay who would get me started by featuring me on several of his projects.
Loud Magazine: What inspired you to become a musician?
William Young: My late cousin Tim was the driving force. We were the same age and he was offered a record deal when we were kids. He taught me how to rap when we were seven and I've been addicted ever since.
Loud Magazine: Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing?
William Young: I grew up in East New York, Brooklyn and my neighborhood was filled with people in the music industry. Masta Killa of Wu-Tang lived around the corner from me, as did Blahzay Blahzay. Growing up was exciting and I was proud to claim my neighborhood. During the peak of their success, other celebrities would frequent the neighborhood to visit them. All of the youth in my neighborhood would dream of one day being stars because we felt it was achievable since we had living examples around us.
Loud Magazine: What's your favorite memory related to music?
William Young: My favorite memory would be the late Craig Mack telling me I was the best he's heard since Notorious B.I.G.
Loud Magazine: What's your biggest passion outside of music?
William Young: Outside of music, my biggest passion is teaching others something they may not have known.
Loud Magazine: How do you stay motivated and inspired?
William Young: What motivates and inspires me is being different. I strive to do what others have yet to do. I try to be the first to manifest something in a different form.
Loud Magazine: What's your favorite song to play live?
William Young: Don't Cry On My Grave
Loud Magazine: What's your creative process like when writing songs?
William Young: It shifts according to my mood. Sometimes words come to me first and the music follows. Other times, the music will inspire my words. I have no set process except that, no matter my approach to a song, I give thought to my words before finalizing them.
Loud Magazine: Do you have a favorite album or artist that influences your work?
William Young: I think my favorite album and artist change as I age. But if I had to choose, I would say Tupac. Notorious B.I.G. The Bee Gees. Barry White.
Loud Magazine: What's the most challenging part of being a musician?
William Young: Fighting for your voice to be heard when you're the underdog.
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