R&B singer-songwriter YF ROSE presents his introspective new single, "CHOICES." This infectious hip-hop groove is skillfully coupled with reflective and poignant lyrics, delving into the challenging theme of life's toughest decisions. Directly inspired by ROSE's personal experiences where discerning the right path was unclear, he states, "It's a song about situations I found myself in due to poor judgment." Crafted over several days with multiple revisions, ROSE aims to convey the feelings of hopelessness and confusion that accompany these critical moments. Written and recorded in his apartment studio, "CHOICES" signals an exciting new chapter for YF ROSE and leaves audiences eagerly anticipating his future work.
Rooted in vibrant Afro rhythms intertwined with the dynamic energy of Montreal, Canada, budding R&B artist YF Rose has quickly carved out a unique niche for himself. Previously known as Blackrose and originating from Yaoundé, Cameroon, this 22-year-old artist has been enchanting listeners for years with his distinctive musical fusion. His passion for music ignited at age six when he began singing; it expanded as he explored instruments like the piano and guitar to broaden his creative horizon. These formative experiences contributed significantly to shaping ROSE's sound—a captivating blend of pop, R&B, rap—and cementing his place as an innovative force in contemporary music artistry. We caught up with YF ROSE
Take us back. Do you recall the moment you told yourself, "I'm going to make this my career"? Describe that moment. What made you pursue this career?
I was six years old. The cheers of the crowd after I recited a poem in front of the whole school, back in Cameroon, made me feel good. After that, I made sure to keep singing and practicing my voice. I was always good at singing, or so my third-grade teacher told me. Among all the things I'm good at, singing and writing are what I love and do the most.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is a mix of R&B, pop, and rap with authentic and original melodies at the base of it all.
What are you most passionate about? What themes or concepts do you explore in your music?
I mostly talk about love, money, and improving oneself in life. In a couple of my songs, I mention a lot of what I've been through over the past years. To me, it is important to stay true to who you are and not deviate from that too much. I talk about all the forms love can take (both good and bad ways) and ultimately how to grow from that and move on with life.
Are there any specific artists or movements that have influenced your work?
The artists that have influenced my work so far are Ed Sheeran, Toosii, DDG, and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie. They are the artists I listen to the most, but I do not forget the legend Michael Jackson.
If you had to title this chapter in your life, what would it be?
I'd call it "THE RENEWAL" because I'm at a moment in my life where I'm trying to heal from a lot of things I’ve been through. Losing four people I cared about to sickness and then losing my best friend, to going through a rough phase with my girlfriend. I'm still putting all the pieces back together, but I'm patient, so it'll be alright.
When was the last time you did something for the first time? What did you learn from that experience?
The last time I did something for the first time was a couple of months ago when a friend of mine showed me a plug-in that I had never heard of before. It was a good experience to continuously realize that I still have much more to learn about music and ways I could twist it to my style.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Here are my two favorite quotes: "The greatest and most valuable things in life are the hardest to be won,” and, ”Don't let the way you feel affect the way you treat others."
What’s one thing you had to “learn the hard way”?
Talent doesn't mean success. Hard work, dedication, passion, and resilience mean success.
Has there ever been a time when you felt like giving up and starting a new path? What keeps you focused?
There are so many paths in life that I could take, and I know I would become successful in soccer, being a mangaka, or business. I do stay updated about those things, but what mainly keeps me focused on music is my obsession with it. The passion that I have for it isn't similar to the rest of the things. It feels like my life.
What has been the most exciting thing that has happened to you recently?
The most exciting thing recently has been the love I've received for my most recent releases, "CHOICES" and "BORN2LOVE." It's been ridiculous! LOVE. Music video coming soon.
In your opinion, whom do you consider to be a visionary? What about them do you admire most?
Someone I consider to be a visionary is DDG. I followed his journey from a college YouTuber to his success in the music industry. He has accomplished so much for himself, and it's inspiring to the youth of nowadays. He inspired my own journey.
How do you show up for yourself? What does self-care look like for you?
Reading, taking a long walk, watching anime, playing sports, drawing, cleaning my house, and taking a cold shower every morning. Other than that, I follow my schedule and do what I set out to do to the best of my abilities.
The past years have been life-changing. What's something new you've learned or discovered about yourself in the past three years? How have you applied that to your work?
For some reason, I always believed I was lazy until I saw the work I actually put out and the effort and work I put into it. I've always worked hard for what I want but also believed I wasn't doing enough or putting my 100% in, even when I was. I believed I could do more, which isn't a bad thing to a certain extent. Now, I just keep pushing.
What was the inspiration for your new song? Can you tell us more about the meaning behind the music?
A lot of what I go through in life is reflected in my music. Whether it's love, hardships, heartbreaks, loneliness, or doubt, it is all illustrated in my lyrics. These are all things for which I had to make a choice for or against; a choice had to be made. It then goes on to form my worldview and ultimately who I am today. Life is a series of choices that shape your future. The particular experience that birthed the creation of "Choices" is a situationship I had a couple of years ago, fresh out of high school, with a girl from my class. At the time, I was working a lot to get by because I had just moved in alone. My focus and energy were more angled toward my 9-5 job and my music. That, in turn, made the attention I gave her almost nonexistent. It came to a point where it had become too toxic. For my mental health and future, I chose to end the relationship, which she didn't take well and didn't understand. It just had to be done.
How does your new music compare to your previous releases?
My new releases are real and authentic.
Describe the creative process. When did you know you had the final cut?
Writing "Choices" didn't take me as long as I expected. I found the beat on YouTube and recorded the melody for the song at around 1 AM after I had just finished another song. I sat with the melody for about a week, then proceeded to jump on the mic the following Saturday. I recorded the song that same day. I'll admit, for it to have the bounce it has, I recorded about seven different melodies for the song and then chopped the best parts. All that before writing the song.
What do you feel has been your biggest growth as an artist?
Taking accountability for my lack of focus and seriousness in my craft at the beginning, back when I said I was going to take it seriously. Life did come along, but that shouldn't have stopped me and never will from now on.
Following your dreams comes with many ups and downs. What would you say is the hardest thing about following your dreams?
Believing that you will make it before anybody else does. It's a form of reassurance that us artists look for most of the time when we present our work to an audience. I now look at it as if I am sharing an experience or an emotion with the listeners. That way, they can relate.
In your opinion, what do you think is not fair about today's music industry?
In my opinion, nothing is fair. I don't spend too much time thinking about whether something is fair or not. I just do what I think is best to the best of my capabilities with the resources available to me at that moment. Simple.
How do you hope your music resonates with viewers or impacts the world?
I'd love to say I want to revolutionize the world of music, but right now, I want to be able to travel the world with my music.
What's next for your career?
Learning about the world of music and everything I have to know, then traveling the world and sharing it with millions.
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