Most people probably don’t think about Maine when they think about hip-hop. But just like every other state, Maine has a collective of talented rappers and producers. At the forefront of this scene is production and audio engineer duo Y2krazy (Jay and Chris). The two brothers have managed to overcome the difficulties of not being based in a hip-hop hotbed, and have worked with some of the biggest underground rap stars in the country. Some of their credits include Benji Blue Bills and Lucki. We caught up with one half of the duo, Y2Chris and talked to him about his journey in the music game.

Where are you From?

I’m from Memphis Tennessee, but I grew up everywhere around the whole USA. 

What music were you listening to growing up?

I listened to a lot of gospel, r&b, and hip-hop 

When and how did you first learn to make beats?

My little brother taught me in 2020. Jay. He’s the other half of Y2krazy.

How has your music changed overtime?

The essence of what I do hasn’t changed. I’ve been staying true to the vision I‘ve had since I was a kid. I have refined my sound with new production skills and techniques.

Who are some of your favorite artists to work with?

Benji Blue Bills, Glokk40spaz, Veda, Babyface Ray,  DCG brothers, Veeze. We’ve got some upcoming stuff with Lucki. They are all just super inspiring. All those artists were pretty genuine and they were open to helping new talent out if they got the stuff. 

Who are some artists you can see yourself working with in the future?

I would want to work with Future for sure. I wouldn’t mind working with Drake. I want to work with some of the biggest, and I think it will happen over time. I look up to everybody from Yachty to Kodak to 21 Savage. I want to work with them, but I am happy with the people I’ve worked with so far. 

What challenges have you faced coming up in the music game? 

I just dreamed really big at first. Like a lot of these other kids, I started out as a rapper, but once I realized how much money and effort it took to be a rapper I changed my direction. Being a rapper was damn near like running a presidential campaign. I kind of got in a low state where I was like, damn, I didn’t want to do it anymore. I switched to production which was just more realistic, but still in the realm of what I wanted to do, and I started seeing more success. So I guess the hardship would be just finding yourself and figuring out what your role is so you can do it to the best of your degree. 

Challenges of coming up in Maine?

The biggest challenge is that there are few connections to solidify yourself in your craft, so you have to spend money on travelling to other places to make a name for yourself. The internet is making that a little bit better, but you just gotta get on your grind and really reach out to people. So yeah networking is the hardest part about being in Maine. 

Local artists you would recommend?

I like Permy (“Y2kpermy” graphic designer). I like Druski. I like everybody that’s attached to the “Aim Beyond The Stars” brand. They’re going hard. It’s not just artists but certain people like brands like Charles  at “Aim Beyond The Stars” and my boys at “Flower Shop” that are pushing the movement forward. I rock with that.

What motivates you?

Just listening to music that’s super creative and different. Hearing stuff that’s never been done before. Pushing the boundaries of certain sounds and blending things together. As Y2Crazy we’re super motivated and driven by nostalgia and shit. Stuff that we used to be into back in the day that just brings back a certain feeling is one of our biggest motivations creatively. 

What’s your favorite song you’ve produced?

We’ve got some unreleased songs in the vault that are actually my favorite songs. Some of them might come out, but as far as released songs go, I like “Dirty Opps” by Benji Blue Bills. All my songs are important to me in their own way.