Interview: Yung Simmie on Touring, ‘BM3,’ and BUM BUM BUM

Yung Simmie

Photo by Blake Lumely

Hailing from Opa-Locka, home of the Miami Hurricanes—a place that just 10 years ago had the highest violent crime rate in the country, Yung Simmie is a rapper who has successfully created a name for himself over the years. Ironically, as a man of few words, he has seen much success from his oratory. Aligning (and unaligning) himself with notable figures early on, he has undoubtedly made his due rounds in the Florida rap sector and beyond. Alongside these figures, such as Denzel Curry and the Buffet Boys, he’s been able to captivate audiences worldwide through playing several tours and spot-dates.

As much as performing live can be a great help for any artist, it ultimately comes down to making music. Simmie has no issues in that department, with countless memorable singles and several mixtapes under his belt—including the first two in the Basement Music series. Anyone who pays attention to the 275 founder should have caught the recent tweet about the third installment to the series, Basement Music 3. For those who didn’t see it, October 15th is the date to remember. 

With that approaching, tracks and videos dropping left and right, and continual touring, it was essential that he give some updates to Citrus Rap so that fans and newcomers alike can stay on track. With the help of some solid plugs, Simmie agreed, and chopped it up after slaying the stage in Miami: something he is very much used to doing at this point in his career.

Almost 4 years ago, you made a theatrical appearance in this old, Pouya-produced webisode. This is one of the earliest instances of you using your famous “BUM BUM BUM” catchphrase. What exactly is “BUM BUM BUM” all about?

[Laughs] That’s me, man. That’s just what I bring: “Bum Bum Bum.” I can’t explain it, dawg. It has no meaning, literally. It’s just me. When you think of “Bum Bum Bum,” just think of me. It ain’t got no corny meaning to it or nothing. It’s something for the people to remember, man. I’m Mr. Bum Bum Bum.

What is the significance of Opa-Locka for you?

That’s the hood. That’s where I stay at. It’s home to me and I love it.

Let’s clear the air here: Are you a Barça fan or a Messi fan?

I fuck with Messi, man. “That’s all goals.”

I fuck with soccer, but I don’t know too much. I know more about [American] football.

Okay, so are you a DolFan then?

I’m a little bit of a Dolphins fan, but they be letting us down all the time, bruh.

Facts. You turned 21 last year. How was that?

My 21st year was crazy. It was turnt. I’ve just been getting drunk ever since.

You posted a picture of you, Robb Bank$ and Nuez in the studio, with the caption hinting at BM3. What’s the status on Basement Music 3?

That bih done. Word. Look out for that October 15th. It’s so fire. I’ve got something special for everyone.

Me and Rob Banks Rob Banks In Yo Town Stu LastNight BM3 Coming SOON

A post shared by Yung Simmie ? (@ogyungsimmie) on

What’s next for you?

After BM3? I don’t know, man, more shit. It never stops. BM3 is the album, so we ain’t even gonna say nothing more.

We’re a fan of Lano’s EP with Nuez. Who else is in 275?

It’s only, like, four of us. HighAF, Lano, and Yung Icey Beats. 275 is just us. We’re just trying to run shit, man; stay afloat. We’ve been here. We ain’t some new niggas—we just out here; still touring. There’s a lot of niggas that fell off. I’m still here, you feel me?

SIMMIE x HIGHAF x LANO u seen us B4

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You have been touring a lot more lately. What have been the highlights of being on the road?

Gahdamn, just seeing the fans in all of these different cities. You’d be surprised how many people come out sometimes. Between Texas and Cali, it’s pretty turnt—but everywhere is turnt to a certain degree. There’s also groupies everywhere. They are out there. I don’t have any horror stories, though. [Laughs]

I’m sure you partook in some legal cannabis consumption while you were performing in places like Denver. What has been your favorite strain?

Probably Girl Scout Cookies or Sour OG.

What music are you listening to right now?

I’ve been bumpin’ Thugger and Chief Keef, but I’ll listen to anything that sounds good.

What is the 2016 forecast for Yung Simmie?

I’m gonna get rich, fuck it. I’m gonna keep making music and working hard. Like I’ve said, I’ve been around. Fans know about me and my music—I’ve been dropping hits. I’m just gonna keep dropping them.

If you could describe your style, what would you say?

My shit is like, that painter who just didn’t give a fuck and stuck his hands in the paint and threw it on the canvas: Jackson Pollock. That’s me…Simmie Pollock.

Simmie Pollock

     Words by @YungSimmie & @YoungMusicMan