Today we would like to introduce to you Yayo the Drummer-OneManBand.
Early Life/Education:
Matt Mayberry, aka “YAYO THE DRUMMER” (born September 4, 1986), is an American musician, producer, designer, and critically acclaimed drummer originally from Jackson, Mississippi. After completing college at Tuskegee University, completing MBA at Troy University, and AuburnUniversityMontgomery 2012, Yayo went on to serve in the United States Army as a Military Medical Officer. Yayo has performed with gospel choirs/artists, hip-hop artists, and live Neo-Soul bands all over the world. Currently, he tours with rap legend/music icon Lil’ Wayne as his right hand on stage and drummer. Lil’ Wayne refers to him as “the One-Man Band.”
‘Yayo, CEO of One-Man Band, background and experience is phenomenal. He did not immediately make the jump into hip-hop. He was introduced to gospel first, growing up playing piano, for his now-deceased father, Harold Mayberry, who was the Minister of Music in his home church for over 20+ years. This led to his experiment with a variety of musical styles. After marching in his high school band and completing high school, he went on the Tuskegee University where he joined the marching band and studied Animal, Poultry, and Veterinary Science/Business.
Musical Career
Spotlights burst and reveal the stage setup for platinum-selling rapper Lil Wayne; his name superimposed a black background reaching at least 25 feet over the screaming audience. As the disc jockey begins spinning the record, the first thing fans may notice is not which song is being played but the energy of the new element: hip hop percussionist ‘Yayo the Drummer’.
Yayo has been rocking stages all around the country with Lil Wayne and other Young Money artists. He has worked to promote live instrumentation in hip-hop shows, daytime celebrations, and even HIIT Training Workout events. Simply put, he is pioneering his sound where you would normally not have a drummer.
Yayo says, “There is nothing like bringing the audience face to face with the instrumentation in the music that they hear seeing and love.”
Yayo has showcased his talent with appearances on music projects of numerous musical genres, including hip-hop, alternative rock, pop, and country. He has gained significant acceptance within the hip-hop community in particular, performing with artists such as Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Drake, and Travis Barker, to name a few. He is a resident drummer at the home of live music nightlife and entertainment on the strip in Las Vegas, NV, at Drais Nightlife, where he often collaborates with various hip-hop disc jockeys to compose DJ/drum remixes to different artists songs. He is sure to amaze the world with his unique musical sound and creative musical arrangements.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Everything has its challenges of course, but this road is special for me because I actually love what I do and the growth that comes with it. Thus far, I feel that every challenge I have had in this life was a challenge that I needed. I think that any individual that leaves the corporate world and goes into business for themselves full time is a special person. A tough struggle that most people would have would be not having enough hours in the day to get things done. But I am sure I am not the only one that feels this way.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in drumming, drum tracking, and producing great music. To me, drums are the foundation of the music. It brings the energy and creates the rhythm to songs. That’s what I make sure to bring to the stage. I bring it to the festivals and parties that I perform at also. I do my part in bringing it to life in general. Bringing massive energy for people to dance and have a good time is a priceless feeling. That should be the goal of any good musician. Being known as a person with musical ideas unlike others at the time is a great place to be. My personality has always been one to fill a room with good energy and fun, and Texas, more importantly, Houston, has always accepted me with open arms. After initially experiencing Houston with Drake for the first Houston Appreciation Weekend, that is when I really fell in love with the city and the culture. Most people with power and influence in cities like this one are not willing to give help and connections, but for me, this was not the case here. After meeting Mike Prince and receiving a lot of knowledge about the music business and help with my musical journey, I knew that this was something I was meant for.
Who I am as a person just comes out in my work. I strive to make moments that make people feel good about where they are and where they are going. I am proud that I am a kid originally from Jackson, Ms. who does what he loves with the most influential artist of our time, Lil Wayne. It’s a testament to my faith in God.
What matters most to you? Why?
To me, music is felt not heard, and what matters to me most is making sure that I give a feeling so positive and powerful that people in this world can’t help but accept it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.yayothedrummer.com
- Instagram: yayo_thedrummer
- Facebook: theeonemanband.us
- Twitter: YayotheDrummer
- Youtube: Yayo the Drummer | One Man Band | Official Drummer for Lil Wayne
Image Credits
Radis-Scott
Brian Easley
Never Satisfied Films
