Last April the music world mourned the sudden untimely loss of Digital Underground front-man Gregory “Shock G” Jacobs, also known for his funny and charismatic alter ego Edward Ellington Humphrey III or Humpty Hump.

Years prior and having grown tired of the over-the-top persona, Shock opted to hang up the Groucho Marx-esque glasses-and-nose disguise but not before entrusting and ultimately passing the torch to then aspiring emcee who has since kept the beloved character alive under the pseudonym Young Hump…

Disclaimer: “as instructed by Shock G, we keep the Hump business separate…so those other questions pertaining to them other guys are a no go! lol.” — Young Hump

Parlé Mag: Let’s hop right into this latest single, “Sheeee,” taken from his semi-recently unleashed solo debut, The Fabulous Imagination Of Young Hump featuring Money B — Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?
Young Hump: “SHEEEE” is a vibe! I had to just try to capture the feeling of when a woman’s hair smells and feels lovely as it lays on my extra acute nose.

Parlé Mag: Now you’re a native of Los Angeles, correct? So growing up in ‘The City Of Angels,’ who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?
Young Hump: Born and raised in L.A., yessir! My biggest influences would have to be DPG, Dre, Cube, (The) Pharcyde, Tha Liks, (Freestyle) Fellowship… and my own niggaz like The Keys Brothas, So Cal Soul and BLX.

Parlé Mag: When did you first become interested in the pursuit of music? And, how did it all actually begin for you?
Young Hump: I’ve been loving this shit since I first heard it, and every day of my life since I met Hip Hop. I have moved closer to it, and now we are married with thousands of children happier than ever spreading love and getting money.

Parlé Mag: In having said that, how do you categorize your overall sound and / or style?
Young Hump: My style is on some have fun shit…funky…crack jokes…stir the pot sexually and make sure it’s respectable to real ones.

Parlé Mag: Sadly, your friend and mentor Gregory “Shock G” Jacobs passed away unexpectedly last April — How has this tragic loss affected you?
Young Hump: R.I.P. Shock G! He deserves to be carved on Mount Rushmore. I will always treasure and be in awe of the last time we were together in the physical. it was an adventurous evening to put it mildly!

Parlé Mag: Now for those who don’t know, how did you even get to become Young Hump? What was that whole transition like for you?
Young Hump: I was attempting to play the God on the 2Pac movie All Eyez On Me. Shock saw my reel and was like, “Yooo, you should perform this shit with Money B!” And the rest is historical facts!!! HIS idea.

Parlé Mag: Longevity, what do you feel the key to your longstanding success will be?
Young Hump: I make sure to keep the essence in my shit, and not say what other people say how they say it like too many rappers do.

Parlé Mag: What exactly do you want people to get from your music?
Young Hump: I want people to feel like my music and everything I do with Money B is where they can come to feel comfortable and not threatened or belittled.

Parlé Mag: On a more serious note, are you happy with the current state of Hip Hop?
Young Hump: I love a lot of Hip Hop now…it just takes more patience to get past the wack shit, whereas years ago it was less of it because it was less money involved.

Parlé Mag: Do you have any other outside / additional aspirations, maybe even completely away from entertainment?
Young Hump: Man, I got a lot of things I aspire for. For now, I will just say one day I will film a movie and the locations will be at several of the many avocado ranches I own.

Parlé Mag: To date, what has been your greatest career achievement(s), at least thus far anyway?I
Young Hump: Very proud of being accepted, and passing the test in the eyes of the Digital family and Oakland on the City Hall steps!

Parlé Mag: One track of yours that you think defines you and why?
Young Hump: The song that defines me best is the interlude with Shock telling people to respect Young Hump.

Parlé Mag: Any “closing” thought(s) for our readers?
Young Hump: My thoughts for the readers is that you are brilliant for reading this, and I salute your intuitive prowess!!! Your cognitive hunger and endurance for the journey of a lifetime to upgrade your cognition more rapidly than the next man or woman. You are the future.

Connect w/Young Hump online:
@younghumpdu on Instagram & Twitter and www.moneybandyounghump.com

Readers Might Also Like: