20 Questions: Yung Baby Tate
Yung Baby Tate is on a mission to take over alt-rap, one TikTok anthem at a time.
The 25-year-old rapper, singer and producer signed to Issa Rae’s Raedio imprint last year to release EP After the Rain – an excellent foray into her sexy, playful sound that shifts seamlessly between hip-hop, pop and R&B. With co-signs from everyone from Bree Runway to Flo Milli, there’s no stopping YBT – the ‘Tate’ stands for ‘take it all, take everything’ by the way. True to form, Tate cheekily reflects on her pet peeves, hatred of clubs, and, well, unsolicited dick pics.
What was your favourite cartoon as a kid?
I’ve always loved SpongeBob SquarePants – it’s honestly still my favourite cartoon as an adult.
Who’s inspiring you right now?
Sha’Carri Richardson.
What’s the weirdest DM you’ve ever received?
Dick pics from random men. Happens more often than anyone would like.
What’s your biggest fear?
A large amount of bugs or small holes. Failure.
What’s the best – and worst – club in the world?
Best: Yung Baby Tate Fan Club. Worst: every other club.
What was your first formative club experience?
I honestly don’t know, I hate clubs so I’ve probably repressed the memory.
Go-to accessory?
Crystal rings. I wear a rose quartz and amethyst ring everyday.
What makes you feel nostalgic?
Hello Kitty. Jeans with patches on them. Scooby Doo fruit snacks. TLC.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
Heal from being hit with my cousin’s suicide. She was like a little sister to me.
What’s the weirdest show you’ve ever played?
Phoenix, Arizona, opening for Trinidad Cardona. We were in this lecture hall with like ten people spread out randomly in seats.
What’s the biggest realisation you’ve had in the past year?
It’s OK to step back and take a break sometimes.
Worst habit?
Procrastination.
What would you want written on your tombstone?
‘Real bitches never die’.
What instantly cheers you up?
Coming home and seeing my cat at the door.
Is there an item you’ve lost that you wish you still had?
My iPod Nano. I had some fire unreleased music on there from when I was like 13.
What’s your earliest childhood memory?
Me telling my mom I liked watching Lizzie McGuire because she has a girlfriend and a boyfriend and her telling me I couldn’t watch it anymore. I actually meant friendship but it’s funny because I grew up to be bisexual.
What’s the worst job that you’ve ever had?
Any job I’ve ever had. As the great Jose Guapo once said, “Fuck a worker, be a boss“.
What really gets on your nerves?
People asking me questions I wouldn’t possibly have answers to. Like when people come to Atlanta and hit me up saying, “What’s going on this weekend?” Do I look like the city event planner? I don’t know.
Who’s the most famous person you’ve ever met?
Beyoncé when I was ten years old.
If you could give your younger self any piece of advice, what would it be?
Don’t date that boy.
After the Rain: Deluxe is out now via Raedio
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