For aspiring Huntly rapper this is just the beginning
From just pens and paper, to selling out shows; Ibyss Edmonds is set to show New Zealand what the Hip Hop scene in Waikato has to offer.
From humble beginnings, Ibyss Edmonds is no stranger to hard work and persevering.
Now more commonly known as Y3K$ he is helping to pave the way for the next generation of MC’s looking to seize their moment.
Working a factory job during the week, Y3K$ (commonly known as Y3) saves his weekends for shows and time in the studio.
“It was a long process to become an artist…but I knew this is what I love.”
Growing up in between Panmure and Huntly, Y3 has had an interesting perspective on his journey through his life and that has played into his artistry. Trying to find his “knack”, he tried his hand at drawing, singing, and dancing but found that rapping is what stuck.
Y3 started his journey with music as a teenager from age 16, taking on many monikers and styles of music.
He has had many influences such as teachers and friends helping to mold his sound and the person he is today. Being an artist there are many tests to finding a sound and Y3 has learned to look outside his own influences to not miss out on what could be a hit.
“I feel like if I hadn’t been through the stuff I had been as a kid I wouldn’t be here where I am”
Being on the road, Y3 has had his fair share of humility, sharing the stage with bigger names but knows it’s worth it when a crowd that he’s opening for starts rapping along.
Gaining respect among his peers also keeps him going to fuel the competition. To date Y3 has three singles available on music platforms, with one on the way and an upcoming EP.
When sitting down with Y3 I asked him if he thought he should be considered a role model for young Māori and Pasifika.
His thoughts were that he didn’t want to be viewed as a role model, but for young people to see that dreams are attainable if you put in the hard work.
“I think that for a lot of artists it starts off as a hobby, that they make music because they love it, and that it should be a natural thing’
The journey for Y3 is just beginning and he isn’t looking to stop anytime soon.
Opportunities have been placed in front of him and with the energy he has on stage and in life should carry him even further.
This year is looking to be a big year for Y3 and his future endeavours.
