|
For Pearl City’s own, 17-year-old rising star Chaquan Jones aka Yung Tunez, getting to record an album on a label where he serves as Co-President is like a dream come true. Hit singles like: Hate Me, Hate Money featuring KutMaster Spaz and Spare a Moment will be featured on Yung Tunez’s debut album, InVasion, due to drop 10-10-10 under StarBoy Records. InVasion, a Yung Tunez and Donnie Beatz collaboration, is expected to be a problem in the streets. An 808 BANGER for sure!
Yung Tunez describes his music as fun hip-hop with significant, deep meaning. “Hip-Hop music is about stories. It can be meaningful yet still fun. I never choose a song that I can’t relate to in some way, shape, or form. My music will always reflect who I am.”
When asked about his first experience in his own studio, Yung Tunez responded, “My producers were amazed at how well I did in the studio the first time. They said I took to it like a duck takes to water! I’ve been in other studios before. But now that this is mine, it just feels like home to me!”
Since Yung Tunez’s style is rather developed for a 17-year-old, his studio performance required little to no training. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t seek constant improvement and constructive criticism in all areas. “You can be a performer and not be an artist, but I am an artist. I have spent time studying and researching everything I can about the music industry and becoming an artist. I am not only honing my songwriting skills and lyrics, but I am also developing my total package including my image and my stage presence, right down to learning how to be photogenic. This isn’t just a dream of mine, this is a goal that I am determined to achieve and I won’t give up.” Yung Tunez takes and applies all the advice he receives from the CEO of StarBoy Records, Montez, whom he works with and who serves as a mentor to him.
Other Yung Tunez influences include The Notorious BIG for his presence in Hip-Hop and his Uncle Big J from Haiti who gave Yung Tunez the tools to write and perform Hip-Hop.
While Yung Tunez’s heart is in Hip-Hop music, he also credits platinum R&B singer Trey Songz as an influential role model to him. “Trey was this young teen star who made it and was able to stay out of trouble at a time when his contemporaries were making headlines in all the wrong ways. I found it inspiring that you can be in the spotlight while maintaining a sense of decency and wholesomeness. Some people might say that I’m a goody-goody, but I don’t mind that. I’d rather be known for doing good things than doing bad things!” Yung Tunez asserts.
It is Yung Tunez’s hope that his music will provide a new means for him to give back to his community. “I would like to give back to my school for teaching me all that I know,” he says, in addition to wanting to give back to other charitable organizations close to his heart such as D.A.R.E, a program which teaches young people to say “No” to drugs.
Having been involved, and performed various events throughout school, Yung Tunez is no stranger to the stage. “I feel at home on stage, so every stage I step foot on becomes my home during that performance,” Yung Tunez states emphatically. He has had the opportunity and blessing to perform in a variety of places, from his hometown in Richmond, VA to the sunny beaches of Hawaii. “I perform all the time so wherever I am is my stage. I’ve even been known to rap in the aisles at Wal-Mart and in the school bathroom”, Yung Tunez laughs.
Following his upcoming album release party, where he will perform songs from InVasion, Yung Tunez has a promotional tour scheduled that includes all of Hawaii’s Islands. “I would love to tour the world, but I still have to finish high school. That’s pretty important!” Yung Tunez also knows that with God on his side, achieving his goals and having his dreams come true is only a matter of time. “Everyone has dreams and goals,” he states. “I am just going for mine to the extreme!”
 |
October 17, 2009
Performance at Club 4 Play hosted by Shakhouse Productons. |
|
November 14, 2009
Performance at Club R&B's in Aeia HI. Hosted by Shakhouse Productons. |
|
|
November 20, 2009
Video Shoot for Promo Commercial " Best Rapper Alive", video directed by Jake Akuna Productions |
|
November 21, 2009
Performance at Sgt. Smith Theater "Our Youth Has Talent". Hosted by Shirley Ellington. |
|
|
January 12, 2010
Performance at Café Sistina's, Hosted by Shakhouse Productions |
|
January 18, 2010
Performance at Unity Rally in celebration of MLK, Hosted by Jewel McDonald |
|
|
January 27, 2010
Interview with Dis-N-Dat Studios, Hosted by Kutmaster Spaz |
|
January 30, 2010
Performance at McKinnley Auditorium, Hosted by Johnny Kai of BBTS ( Brown Bags To Stardium) |
|
|
February 5, 2010
Performance at Hawaii Art Museum "Live on the Lawn" Hosted by Tim Bostock Productions. |
|
February 20, 2010
Performance at T-Spot Night Club, Hosted by Shakhouse Productions. |
|
|
February 21, 2010
Performance at The Shack in Waikiki, Hosted by Ronnette Abregano |
|
March 13, 2010
Performed at Teen Vibe , Hosted by Kutmaster Spaz |
|
|
April 11, 2010
Performance at Don Ho's Hosted by, Nancy Bernal |
|
April 17, 2010
Performed at Kyser Auditorium, hosted by Donnell Bowen ( Omega Psi Phi Fraternity |
|
|
May 7, 2010
Performing at Catlin Park Community Center "Swag/ Jerk" Birthday Bash, Hosted by Sherrie Bowen |
|
May 22, 2010
Performance at T-Spot Night Club, Hosted by Shakhouse Productions |
|
|
May 19, 2010
Video Shoot, "Hate Me Hate Money" Directed by Jake Akuna Productions |
|
|
|
|
Yung Tunez Gallery
|
