Young M.A on Her ‘Kween’ Album, Sobriety, and Why She’s Not Making a Comeback
It is only fitting that Brooklyn native Young M.A returned to New York City to promote her long-awaited album, Kween, during the week of The Notorious B.I.G.’s birthday. Though she has spent the last few years residing in Georgia, the 34-year-old rapper still feels the undeniable energy of her hometown whenever she steps back onto city streets.
Kween—a title she has permanently inked above her left eyebrow—marks her first major project in five years. It arrives a decade after she first dominated the airwaves with her breakout hit, “OOOUUU.” However, Young M.A is quick to clarify that this release is not a “comeback.” Instead, she views it as a reset—a continuation of her journey after navigating a challenging chapter in her personal life.
Overcoming Personal Hurdles
The years between projects were marked by significant personal growth and a serious health scare. In 2023, the rapper was hospitalized for liver complications stemming from alcohol use. Today, she is sober, focused, and feeling healthier than ever. “I had a time in my life where I consumed a little bit too much alcohol and it put me in a bad physical state,” she reveals. “I was on the edge, like real close. I tapped with God and I got angels protecting me. I was able to fight through it.”
This period of reflection taught her about her own resilience. “I learned how strong I am,” she says. “I always knew I was strong, confident, and bold, but this was different. It put me into a different creative mindset.”
A New Creative Chapter
Recording Kween while sober was a transformative experience. While she admits that alcohol once provided a sense of false confidence in the studio, sobriety has allowed her to tap into a more mature, disciplined creative space. The album showcases her versatility, blending hard-hitting bars with melodic, light-hearted tracks like “Dancer.” The project also features collaborations with Tory Lanez and G Herbo, the latter of whom joined her on the track “Pressure.”
Reflecting on the current state of hip-hop, Young M.A expresses frustration with the industry’s shift toward gossip and social media drama. “It’s too gossipy. It’s like a soap opera,” she notes. “It’s taking away from the music. When you know too much about a person, it takes away from the art.”
Looking Toward the Future
Beyond music, Young M.A is diversifying her portfolio. She has become deeply interested in real estate, having successfully flipped properties and built a portfolio that includes homes in New Jersey and Georgia. She is also venturing into the fitness industry with her line, KNRTH Fitness.
As she looks ahead, her goal remains simple: to bring the focus back to the music. “I just want them to understand that the music never left,” she says. “We had a little bump in the road and we got over that and we’re driving again.”
