The Catch-Up: Meet Yung Koded, The Kenyan Roddy Ricch

They say the magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back. This is the state Kenyan-US based rapper Yung Koded finds himself in after recently jetting into the country for what he terms a short visit.

Koded has been in the US since he was 13 and while there, he has taken his music career to a different level. Listening to his music, you might think you are jamming to records by Grammy nominee Roddy Ricch. Just like West Coast melodist, Yung Koded can sing and rap. He has some captivating hooks on his jams and this certainly brings him out as a great songwriter.

Koded is signed to Chinatown Music Group, a label based in the US. They recently signed a management deal with Reginald Kings Company (RKC), the outfit managing singer Otile Brown and owned by Noriega Donslef.

This has enabled Koded link up with his Kenyan fans through a couple of projects. His most recent release titled 'Mteja' featuring rapper Breeder LW and social media star Shakilla brings him out as a versatile artiste. The song resonates well with many as can be seen from the comments and reviews it has got so far.

Apart from 'Mteja', Koded has also worked with Exray for 'Sina Time'. His other releases are" Loco, Rockstar ft. La Chillwill, Way Back, Suicide, Tulia and more!

Get all his songs now on Boomplay:

Yung Koded

To continue his Kenyan takeover, Koded recently linked up with the OG Khaligraph Jones at his Blu Ink studios and by all indications, we will soon have a track. Speaking to Buzz, Koded said that he had to pay respects to the OG while still around.

"I had to pay some respect to the OG. If something is cooking it's up to you to find out" he said.

"I just want to prove myself. There is a tough spot to breakthrough in the East African market but I got more crazy projects coming. This is the new me" he added.

Comparing the Kenyan music scene to that in the US, Koded believes that artistes in the 254 do not follow due processes when putting out music and this is the reason we have not made major strides like many of us would have wanted.

"Over here we skip a lot of processes. We have a lot of doing and not understanding. There is a difference between understanding the game and just being in the game. Out in the US, you will understand somebody who is singing about a certain lifestyle because most probably he has live it. Here, everybody is talking about guns and I don't see anybody with a gun. You can't sing what you don't have" he said.

"If we are getting robbed, let's sing about it. We are stuck with the same style and even if we try to bring a new one, it's just not working" he added.

Apart from being a musician, Koded is also a video director and is behind the editing of most of his music videos. He identifies himself as an alternative artiste and blend's genres in his music. He for instance mix emo-rap with afro-pop and Hip-hop with punk rock or afrobeat.

Koded is an act worth putting a close eye on. Learn more about him through our exclusive interview below.

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The Catch-Up: Meet Yung Koded, The Kenyan Roddy Ricch

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