New Healing, New Heights: Inside YK Quan’s New Chapter
- So FN Dope Magazine
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
In an era where vulnerability is often filtered and faith is rarely front and center, YK Quan stands as a rare voice of raw truth. Born and raised in Folsom, Louisiana, the independent artist has carved a sound that fuses Hip-Hop grit, and Soul conviction into something unmistakably his own. But YK’s music isn’t manufactured emotion — it’s lived experience. Now, with his forthcoming album Fly From Here and the deeply introspective single “New Healing,” he isn’t just telling stories — he’s testifying, evolving, and staking his claim in today’s music industry. Check out our exclusive interview with YK Quan.
SFND MAG: YK Quan, what’s good! First and foremost we appreciate you for taking the time to interview with us. How have you been?
YK QUAN: Wassup man, l've been good and thanks for having me.
SFND MAG: For our audience who may not be quite familiar with you just yet, tell us a little about yourself.
YK QUAN: I’m from Folsom Louisiana, where I grew up with the same struggles as any black kid. I found my gift to create music at 8 and been using it to cope with life ever since.
SFND MAG: So, you were born and raised in Folsom, Louisiana — How did that environment shape the foundation of who you are as both a man and an artist?
YK QUAN: In a lot of ways, it taught me how not to care.
SFND MAG: Your music carries raw emotion rooted in personal loss — your mother, and other close family members. How did those tragedies transform your relationship with music from pastime to purpose?
YK QUAN: Music was all I had to turn to. My only way to express myself and now it's therapeutic for me.
SFND MAG: Your sound has been described as a blend of Hip-Hop, Gospel, and Soul. Was that fusion intentional from the start, or did it naturally evolve from your upbringing?
YK QUAN: It was never intentional but I did grow up playing the drums in church. I feel like it comes out that way because of my inspirations and my old soul.
SFND MAG: Your debut mixtape Paid Return (2024) felt like a statement. What did that project represent for you personally, and what do you think it proved to the industry?
YK QUAN: To me it proved that I could. It was the first time people had actually heard me flow and they loved it. People cry when they hear my songs because of how raw it is, unintentionally.
SFND MAG: Songs like “Out Love” and “All You Need” showcase a softer, more vulnerable side. Do you feel today’s hip-hop landscape makes enough room for emotional transparency from men?
YK QUAN: Yeah, I do. Actually I feel that's what sells the most from male artists, raw and emotional tracks.
SFND MAG: Your new single “New Healing” feels deeply personal just from the title alone. What inspired this record, and what chapter of your life does it reflect?
YK QUAN: For a long time I had been down after my mom passed away, then I had moved to Georgia for a change and discovered that being around like minded people and ones on the same journey as me made me feel better and that's how New Healing came about.
SFND MAG: Sonically, how does your latest single expand or challenge the sound we’ve come to know from you?
YK QUAN: I don't think it really challenges anything, New Healing to me was just another song to add to the catalog, the people loved it mostly so l dropped a video to it.
SFND MAG: Was “New Healing” created from a recent experience, or is it the result of years of processing grief and growth?
YK QUAN: I would say a recent experience of moving to Georgia and growth in general.
SFND MAG: Speaking of growth, you mentioned that you relocated to Georgia What has that move taught you about yourself — and about the business of music?
YK QUAN: It taught me that it takes more to the business than just dropping a song, and personally with my knowledge and experience I can do anything.
SFND MAG: You’ve cited legends like Michael Jackson and Jay-Z as influences. Is it their artistry, business acumen, or stage presence that resonates most with your own ambitions?
YK QUAN: I grew up listening and inspired by both of them so on stage there's definitely something they influenced. Michael Jackson mostly inspired my artistry while Jay Z inspired my mindset and business. Well I’m from the country so any outdoor activities are definitely something im first to consider when im not creating.
SFND MAG: Outside of music, what else do you like to do in your free time? We hear you like to fish and ride ATVs. In an industry that can feel chaotic, how important is it for you to stay connected to that rural Louisiana spirit?
YK QUAN: Well, I’m from the country so any outdoor activities are definitely something I’m first to consider when im not creating.
SFND MAG: What can we anticipate from YK Quan next. Any projects in the works?
YK QUAN: Most definitely. In March I'll be dropping another mixtape and in between time lots of great singles and content for my fans and supporters. You can follow me@YkQuan on all platforms to find out more.
SFND MAG: When listeners press play on a YK Quan album, what do you want them to feel — and five years from now, what do you want the name YK Quan to represent in music history?
YK QUAN: I want them to feel free and happy not only with my work but with themselves, and 5 years from now Yk Quan will be someone that you listen to on the daily basis to express your every mood.
SFND MAG: Are there any other artists that you think are So FN Dope? Tell us why?
YK QUAN: I think all of today's artists are dope but no one to really pedestalize.
SFND MAG: Thanks again YK for interviewing with us. We sincerely appreciate the opportunity bro. We wish you much continued success. Can’t wait to see what you cook up next!
YK QUAN: My pleasure
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