Youngin Da SP As Seen on MTV’s Taking the Stage 2

Posted by C.Jay McGruder on Jan 11, 2012 in People On The Move | 2 comments

When asked what he thought about the possibility of finding his big break, Ian Watts officially known as“Youngin Da SP” replied; “I don’t believe in big breaks; it’s not my style to sit and wait for that magical moment in which someone, by chance, discovers you and decides to make you famous. In my opinion, success comes from the accumulation of every little effort you’ve made in the journey to accomplish what you desire, officially known in my city as grinding.”

 Ian Watts was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, where he spent his childhood dreaming of being a star rapper. Ian commenced his journey as a young entertainer at the young age of eleven and has been successful since he has started. Many people spend their childhood yearning to become the next star but few have the drive and capability of doing what Ian Watts did at an early age. At the age of thirteen Ian Watts began to teach himself how to utilize professional audio-engineering programs such as Protools and Sonarlee, consequently leading to the establishment of his own studio in his basement by the age of fifteen. Ian self produced and engineered his own mix-tapes in his basement for the preceding years and after three years of hard work a producer from MTV’s “Taking the Stage” expressed interest in his talent and offered Ian a contract to MTV’s season two of “Taking the Stage.” Fully encouraged and supported by his parents Ian took what he calls a “leap of faith” and left behind his friends, school, family, and future in soccer to pursue a future in music.It only took one episode of “Taking the Stage” to completely revolutionize Ian’s life. When asked about the impacts the show caused on his career, Ian replied: “My life has already been changed tremendously by appearing on the show,” Watts said. “It gives me that boost in my music career that not a lot of people get. A lot of people will hear my music and I’ll have more opportunities from that  exposure.”  The show was a success and was the number one show on commercialized television for ages 18-24. This success lead to an increase in Ian’s fan base and allowed Ian to be mentored by music industry personnel, artist, companies which subsequently lead to the establishment of Ian’s own music company, “Homteam.”                                            After the show Ian began seizing many opportunities continually planning and developing his future in the music industry. Ian stated: “I’m really hard on my music plan and doing a bunch of performances. I hope to sign with a major record label and be in that game stably,” Watts said. “I also want to work with different producers just to see how they operate. I have my own studio for producing, but I want to learn more about it.” Ian’s plans led him to the South Florida music scene and with no family or friends. Ian continues to work hard on his music while attending school at Florida Atlantic University.

Ian Watt’s is an unquestionable natural entertainer with a distinct sound. Ian describes his sound as “Midwest-sounding music.” With the influence of growing up and listening to East and West Coast rappers, combined with a childhood of Midwestern culture, Watts’ music is a unique mixed breed, of rap. Since the beginning of his career he has landed reputable gigs with prominent hip-hop artist in the music industry such as Trey Songz, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$y, Hi Tek, Talib Quali, J. Cole and LMFAO. He has also been featured in venues such as The Dukester, Balleteck, Club Celeberties, Hammerjacks, Jack & Jills, Glenmary Hall, The Form, The Madison Theater, Mad Hatter, Mad Frog, Bogarts, Dirty Jacks, The Mixx Ultra Lounge, Centas Center and The Underground.

Even after achieving many successful opportunities, Ian Watts constantly expresses gratitude for not only his career in music but his parents. Watt’s states: “I’m thankful for everything I was blessed with: the gift of music, the drive that I have — because a lot of people have drive, but not everyone has the drive to pursue it — I’m blessed financially that I don’t have to worry about my next meal or worry about my parents.”

With a heart full of passion driven lyrics, catchy phrases and an enthralling unique sound Ian Watts is determined to bring a new Midwestern flavor to the Hip-Hop culture guaranteed to leave listeners yearning for more.