When you think Dirty South hip hop, a white boy from deep Alabama isn't the first rapper that comes to mind.
But things are going in that direction as Yelawolf, the heavily-tattooed 32-year-old who records for Eminem's Shady Records label, continues his steady rise from underground sensation to overground superstar.
There's a parallel between Yelawolf (real name Michael Atha) and his big-time boss; both he and Eminem are white rappers, and as such had to fight for respect from the jump. The musical differences between the two, however, are pronounced. Yelawolf, who was raised in both Alabama and Tennessee, as well as Georgia, makes music with a distinct twang: Some would describe his music as hick-hop, though his influences and 'slanguage' run far deeper than simply beats and rhymes.
Not only did Yelawolf recently tattoo a large image of Johnny Cash and June Carter on his head, one of his most successful singles to date (Let's Roll) features Kid Rock on the hook. His second album won't be in stores until next year, but already fans are warming to his new direction, which has progressed considerably from his 2007 mixtape, Ball of Flames: The Ballad of Slick Rick E. Bobby.
Yelawolf has three additional releases (two EPs and a mix tape, one of which is with blink-182 drummer Travis Barker) planned for 2012, following February's collaborative EP with U.K. singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran. It remains to be seen if the rising star, who broke worldwide with his 2011 full-length debut Radioactive can make magic again. But no matter what, he'll be interesting to watch.
Yelawolf performs Tuesday at Club 9ONE9 (919 Douglas St.) Tickets are $25 at Ditch Records, Lyle's Place and the Strathcona Hotel.
