JYellowL has garnered a reputation as one of the most versatile artists in Ireland. Over the years he’s demonstrated his penchant for intricate wordplay and rapid-fire flows across a number of tracks, simultaneously providing sharp rolling commentary on societal issues.
In the lead up to his debut album ‘2020 D|vision’ that is set for release in December this year, he’s seamlessly combined the most compelling assets in his arsenal into a thoughtful new record.
‘Doesn’t Feel Like’, derives emotions from some of the most challenging experiences in his life so far as a young man having moved to Ireland.
“This song is about my experience as an African immigrant in the western world,” JYellowL says.
“I came to Ireland when I was in my early teens and it was the first time I was made conscious of my racial and cultural difference. The first time I experienced racism, covert and blatantly overt. The first time I met people who hated me because of my race and wanted to cause me bodily harm as a result. The first time I met people who truly believed they were my superior because of my skin colour.”
“The first time that my character was judged based on the actions of groups of people, whom I shared nothing in common with but complexion, and faced the physical consequences in some instances. Those experiences I faced coupled with the historic injustice faced by other black people all over the western world, made me feel like I didn’t belong here. They say home is where the heart is, but I found it very difficult to place my heart somewhere that I was regularly reminded was not my “actual” home”.
Watch ‘Doesn’t Feel Like’ below: