Rapzilla Freshmen 2026 Meet the Class Interviews (Part 4). It’s time to get to know the Freshmen class a little better. The yearly questionnaire is always something that gets you a little taste of what’s to come. Here are the next four artists of the class. Read part one here, part 2 here, and part 3 here.
Rapzilla Freshmen 2026 Meet the Class Interviews (Part 4)
Timmy Bone
What does being a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
I have been listening to the Rapzilla podcast since I was 13 and following all their posts for years. So now being a freshman is super cool and a full-circle moment.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
I’m excited to collaborate with some amazing up-and-coming artists. So much talent that is just needing the right push from a platform like this. I’m excited about the project.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and a moment with a fan so far?
The best moment has probably been producing for one of my favorite artists, 1K Phew, on a song he did with Donutello.
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Honestly, I have switched from being a producer and have been rapping more, which I love as a creative. I still love producing, so I am excited to get back in my bag and bring my A game to the table for this project. As a rapper, I just wanna continue to put out as many songs as possible.
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YakiTheKid
What does being a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
Being a Rapzilla Freshmen is a huge blessing. Ever since I started rapping, I told myself that this gift is to be used for ministry. These past few years have taught me to be humble and continue to create dope music with one mission in mind. To share the gospel of Jesus Christ—regardless of how the world receives it. Galatians 1:10 is the verse I have constantly leaned on throughout my artist journey, for it says,
“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
This has completely flipped my perspective on what it means to be an artist because it encourages me to pursue faithfulness, not fame. It is very easy to fall into the mindset of chasing the spotlight and having that chip on your shoulder to be seen because your craft is undeniable. But I have learned that true success is being faithful to God’s call, to relay the message He has given me through the talents He has bestowed, and to trust that whoever He intended to receive it will do so without fail.
That being said, to be recognized by others as someone who is on the cusp of greatness is an added blessing to the joy I already have in serving Christ. To never expect praise but to still receive it has encouraged me greatly, and only affirms the anointing the Lord has already shown me on this ministry. I am grateful for this opportunity to reach new audiences from the well-renowned platform that is Rapzilla, and I am excited to demonstrate the full genius of God’s creation. Let’s work.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
Community is a key tenet of a disciple’s walk. To have brothers and sisters in Christ who push you closer to Him and help sharpen the talents you’ve been given is an answered prayer. I feel like I have an expansive music palette and love being exposed to different sounds and styles that help increase my own versatility as an artist. There are some really talented Kingdom steppers in this class, some of whom I’ve already established friendships with, and others with whom I am looking forward to connecting. Can’t wait to unify our gifts and create something special for God’s glory!
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and a moment with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artist journey was probably the first time my grandma saw me perform live. It was in March 2025, just a couple of months after my grandpa had passed in December. She was always listening to my music but never had the opportunity to see me perform, because she lived in California and it was difficult to travel with the condition my grandpa was in.
I was performing at an on-campus venue at Florida State University (my alma mater), and she and my uncle flew in to watch the show. She gave me a tearful hug after my performance and said, “I praise God for you. Papa would be so proud.” My uncle later texted me, “I didn’t get a chance to tell you that I was holding back tears watching you perform. I’m so proud of you, and I know that Papa was bragging about you up in Heaven. You may not be a pastor like him, but you definitely preach like him! Keep it up. Love you!” That is just one moment, but the support I have from my family is incredible.
My dad never fails to affirm to me that he is proud of me, and my mom is always praying for me and letting me know how blessed the family is by my art. My younger siblings have been and always will be my biggest supporters, and all of my friends have continuously cheered me on. It is a beautiful thing to be in a position where everybody believes in you and wants to see you succeed—you don’t have to prove anyone wrong. That freedom allows me to create from a place of joy rather than resentment, to desire to bless rather than gain vengeance by proving doubters wrong. The Lord has been gracious unto me.
The coolest fan moment is probably when my little brother’s friend Porter told me how much he loved my music, and that he made “St. Thomas” his baseball walkout song. As a leader, it is your duty to inspire the youth and push them towards Christ. To know that I have that influence amongst some of the younger generation is extremely encouraging, because by hearing my music, they are hearing the gospel. There is nothing better than knowing that others are being transformed by this ministry.
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I am juggling a couple of projects at the moment. Release dates haven’t been locked in yet, but I am working on an EP with Yung Drew, another EP with tonyxtrotter, a solo album, and multiple features for other singles. Being a Rapzilla Freshmen will only help expand my network, so I am looking forward to staying busy!
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YJO
What does being a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be named among the long line of artists and producers who have come before me. To be part of this legacy means carrying the torch with humility, excellence, and purpose.
To me, being a Rapzilla Freshmen is about more than recognition—it’s about responsibility. It’s about inspiring the next generation to pursue success with integrity and to make Kingdom moves that uplift and strengthen the body of Christ.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
Collaborating with like-minded artists feels powerful and purposeful. Romans 12:4–7 reminds us that though we are many members, we are one body in Christ, each with different gifts given by grace. Being part of this class feels like that Scripture in motion. There are distinct voices, unique sounds, and different gifts, all working together for one Kingdom purpose.
There’s unity, but there’s also diversity in gifting, and that’s what makes it special. I truly believe the Rapzilla Freshmen 2026 class will hit different and be a breakout class—not just creatively, but spiritually—because everyone is bringing their grace, their gift, and their obedience to the table.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and a moment with a fan so far?
The best moment in my artistic journey so far has been making history. I had the honor of composing the movie score alongside Bert Garcia for the award-winning film The Solution, an original project from Director and Artist Andrew Bullard IV, owner of AJB4 Entertainment. Through that opportunity, I not only became an award-winning composer, but I also became the first person—and the first Black individual—from my hometown to compose music for an award-winning feature film. That moment meant more than recognition; it represented legacy, doors opening, and God’s faithfulness.
For a moment with a fan, my son Javion is truly my number one supporter. When he found out that I had made history, he didn’t hesitate to celebrate and express how proud he was. At our church, we host a Black History program where the youth research and dress as impactful Black figures. This year, he said he wanted to be me for Black History Month. That moment humbled me deeply. Out of all the historical figures he could have chosen, he chose his father. That’s a reminder that the greatest impact starts at home.
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
For the rest of the year, I plan to continue being a faithful steward—first to my wife and son. Also, to the gifts God has entrusted to me. My priority is to lead my home well and create from a place of integrity, discipline, and obedience to Christ.
Creatively, I’ll be focused on developing edifying Kingdom music alongside my dear friend NolaRed, co-owner of our collective True Life Music (TLM). We’re committed to walking through whatever doors God opens. Whether that’s television, film, or collaborating with like-minded artists for Kingdom building and edification.
Above all, I plan to remain prayerful and expectant. Trusting God to do exceedingly and abundantly above all we can ask or think. All while staying ready and watchful for Christ’s return.
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yumiya!
What does being a Rapzilla Freshmen mean to you?
I’m honored to receive the recognition from a major voice in the CHH space only a year into my artist journey. From taking part in Critique Fridays with my debut single, getting my songs picked for the weekly submissions, to now being a 2026 Rapzilla Freshmen. It’s been amazing to see how all of those moments led me here! I’m truly grateful for the opportunity, and to me it’s confirmation that God has indeed called me to do this.
How does it feel to be collaborating with like-minded artists?
I’m very excited to collaborate with other artists because I have not had any collabs thus far. I look forward to bringing together our unique sounds and perspectives to push the Kingdom forward. I’ve longed to find community in my music journey. I’m hoping this can be the start of building deep connections and creating dope, impactful music together. I look forward to learning from each other and growing not just as individual artists, but as the Body. It’s a step out of my comfort zone to work with other artists. However, I’m ready for this new chapter of my journey and can’t wait to see what we will create.
What has been the best moment in your artistic journey, and a moment with a fan so far?
There are too many moments to count. I truly have been blown away by God’s goodness, favor, and grace that He has poured out throughout my journey. If I had to choose one, a special moment was my first performance as yumiya! It was also my first performance in over a decade. I was so nervous beforehand. But the moment the music started, when I got up there on stage, all of my fear and anxiety washed away as the Holy Spirit took over. I thought I would feel scared once I got on the stage, but instead I felt right at home and a supernatural peace. It showed me that as we surrender and depend on God in times we’re afraid, God is faithful to give us everything we need to overcome and be victorious.
Recently, a mother shared that her daughter loves my music and they listen to “Georgia Peach” every day on the way to school. What a way to start the morning. It’s been amazing to see my music reach the younger generation and impact them. They need more positive, clean music that’s not only catchy and well-made, but points them to Truth.
What do you have planned for the rest of the year?
I am currently working on my first EP, set to release in the summer. I’m excited to share more of my story and artistry through this project. Besides the Rapzilla Freshmen mixtape, I plan to have collabs with other artists as well. I would love to do more live shows, too. Besides that, everything else is in God’s hands!
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Stay tuned for the next four Rapzilla Freshmen 2026!
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