Rapper Yefta’s newest LP, ‘Fully Loaded,’ begins with a song called ‘Warm Welcome’. Yefta wants us to be swept up in the moment.

To be reminded that there is good on this earth still. If there has ever been a record that will help you see that life is worth living, it’s this one.

“How y’all feelin tonight?
You bout to feel a little better”

Yefta spent his youngest years in Germany and then moved to Kansas at the age of nine. Being from a musical family immersed him in the language. The rhymes came naturally, and now Yefta brings a unique passion and energy to the microphone. Once Yefta learned about Gangstarr, all he wanted to do was to write life affirming poems set to good flows. The dream has become reality.

‘Fully Loaded’ kicks off with good vibes and never lets up. Smooth electric pianos, syncopated grooves, and Yefta’s positive and energetic flow make for a record that never feels stagnant. Despite its alarming title, ‘SUPERDOOM’ features hilarious lyrics about partying and living life to the fullest set to a hypnotic rhythm. Sound-bytes interject at the perfect moments, building intensity before Yefta launches into another set of lyrics. On ‘Flowetry,’ Yefta slows things down while still bringing his unique blend of humor and poignancy. He says, “Filthy rich and dead broke / Watch me accrue it / Heat up the stove and brew it / No secrets.” If there is one sentiment that fills the rhymes on this record, it’s to appreciate the present moment. ‘Flowetry’ shows the rapper playing with slower rhythms while dialing up the gratitude for life.

If there’s one sentiment that prevails throughout these songs, it’s to appreciate the present moment. Yefta is a master at spinning truths into rhymes. And in these trying times, we should all take our daily dose of Yefta.

“I think music is incredibly therapeutic and rap is no different!”

You talk about rap being about connection. How have your songs helped you build community?

Yefta: Definitely! To me, it’s a form of connection at multiple levels. Connection with myself, my thoughts, feelings, experiences…and the people and places that I’ve met along the way. Additionally, even though Topeka, Kansas, is a small Midwest town, there are a ton of talented people in a number of different ways – especially musically! There are many pockets and those who write, produce, or enjoy rap and hip hop music, who have also found each other – hopefully continuing to do so. Larger networks are nearby as well and there are many solid people to interact and connect with. I was talking to someone recently and referred to Hip Hop as a house that I’m honored to share with some incredible people! I don’t see that as an exclusive crib, either. Hip Hop and rap helped me get closer to myself and interact with the outside world in a completely different way. For that I’m eternally grateful. I almost think you can use the term “Hip Hop,” interchangeably with community or something therapeutic…some people may not agree or know what I’m talking about, but it’s a lifestyle. Stay hip to the shit and remain quick on your hop – on and off the record.

How did you approach writing for this new project? What made this batch of songs feel like they fit together?

The idea was for a project to be both fun, filled with creative bars, but true to my experience. I knew it would include some highs, lows, and forewarnings…sage advice, if you will, as I’ve come across it. This project also served as an ode to Hip Hop and how much the art form and craft means to me…paired with the intention of my lyrics or sound leaving you off better for having heard it. These topics arose in a few writings, both intentionally and unintentionally, and then were compiled by sound. After the obvious recording process, mixing, mastering, fucking around…the list of tracks slowly formulized. After that, I spent some time listening to the tracks, their energy, intensity…endings and beginnings…and arranged them into an experience I felt conveyed my thoughts and feelings the way I needed them to be given.

You start off this record saying, “How y’all feelin tonight? /You bout to feel a little better.” Do you view your work as therapeutic? How has rap helped you heal?

I think music is incredibly therapeutic and rap is no different! Engaging in the process of creating or selecting sounds…formulating ideas or freestyling and chasing a thought…coming up with topics or themes for creative ways to present something…the journey and time spent creating the music that is so near and dear to me is incredibly therapeutic. I’m crafting my sound and legacy which will exceed my mortal time. I once heard that family members often forget their deceased relatives’ voices first. I have no clue if that’s true or not, but that always stuck with me. Having children, I enjoy putting music together that I know will ride when Daddy is outta here. The music needs to be loved by me before I allow anyone else a chance to love it. Through the good, the bad, and the ugly, I’ve always found safety and good shit within the rhymes and patterns. Introspective shit. Beautiful and raw shit. Shit people will never see or hear, but I gotta feel it real good in that moment. Life isn’t easy, but certain things can help take the load off…for me this music shit is that. I want us all to heal.

Do you have plans to support this record live? Where can listeners find you performing this year?

I have a few shows coming up – the Boobie Trap in Topeka with The New .WAV on 4/19/23 and a few other shows between Topeka, Lawrence, and the Kansas City area. The performance realm is a whole different element of music and its presentation….and I have a big respect for that piece of the craft as well! I’m slowly developing and locking this down in a way I feel is presentable and enjoyable! I take my time with the music and I am trying to take my time getting this to an equal state! Come check out my music on all major platforms and if you’re somewhere close or want me to come your way – connect with me! This can be on a live music tip, studio session, feature, whatever!

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