Rising rap sensation Yung Gravy has been making waves with his unique blend of humor, charisma, and charm. From playful sampled tracks like “I Write Hymns Not Travesties” to his recent country-inspired album, he continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a modern rap and hip-hop artist. Gravy has built a loyal fanbase that appreciates both his music and his larger-than-life persona.
This past weekend, Melodic Magazine had the chance to sit down with Yung Gravy at Warped Tour Orlando, where he opened up about his creative process, balancing humor with artistry, and the inspirations behind his latest singles.
Yung Gravy is built around the charm and the charisma. How much of the Yung Gravy persona is Yung Gravy and how much of it is Matthew Hauri?
One and the same. I think I just am myself. When I started making music in college, the whole persona and brand, I was riffing off myself, maybe exaggerating a bit, but that was just because I had to. I was working a job that was pretty professional and going to a big university, so I had to hold back a little. But yeah, I think it’s pretty much just me at this point.
Do you ever let the humor of your personality get in the way of your art, or do you lean into it as something to embrace?
I’d say the humor comes in some of the lyrics, but most of my personality is just me and genuine. Some of my music’s funny, but the actual shows and career are more about the music. Some words in the music are humor-based, but I make the song first and then add funny elements.
A lot of your work is hard to put into a genre, bouncing from hip-hop to comedic rap to “meme rap” as some people call it online.. How do you feel about the term “meme rap” and is it something you resonate with?
I don’t really care. Some artists were inspired by me and went full meme rap routes. I’ve had my music placed in a lot of meme culture. If someone wants to call me a meme rapper, I’ll take that.
Your recent tracks “Debbie” and “I Write Hymns Not Travesties”.. where does inspiration come from? Are you digging for songs, or going with what’s trendy?
It’s usually songs I’ve loved my whole life. Everything I sample has been a favorite. Both “Debbie” and “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” by Panic! have been favorites since I was 10. I tried with the Panic! song in the past, but it was hard to clear until I found out Brendon Urie was a fan of mine.
What other genres are you looking to tap into? Your country album, Serving Country, recently came out.. anything you’re looking forward to?
I did the country project to learn more instruments and meet friends in that world. It was fun experiencing the Nashville recording environment compared to LA or Atlanta. After that, I’m excited to get back to OG Trap, but lately I’ve been running a surf rock sort of sound with songs like “C’est La Vie,” “Goodness Gracious,” “Super Smash Bros.” I think those songs will continue with Baby Gravy projects. Otherwise, I’ll keep sampling soul, I love that.
You’re currently on the Voluptuous Voyage Tour, and Gravy Fest 2 is coming up. Which are you most excited about coming up?
Gravy Fest is probably my favorite. It’s part of the Voluptuous Voyage tour, which is a little more than halfway done. We routed it this way, coming from Alabama last night, Raleigh tomorrow. Gravy Fest 2 in Minneapolis is the one I’m most hyped for! [It’s] myself, 1900Rugrat, Pouya, Melly [Mike], and Per[tinence]. It’s always around Thanksgiving, so I get to see family and OGs and turn it into a whole weekend. After that, maybe six more shows, then a ski trip with my girlfriend. Things are looking pretty bright.
Last question: What’s next? What does 2026 look like?
I don’t have a ton of crazy plans. I’ll take some chill time, work in the studio, make music, not tour for a bit. Ski trips, experimenting with life. I’m 29 now, trying to do some adult stuff.. going to the store, normal people things.
Tickets for Yung Gravy’s upcoming shows are available now.
Remaining Voluptuos Voyage Tour dates below:
Fri, NOV 21 // Sherman Theater // Stroudsburg, PA
Sat, NOV 22 // House of Blues Cleveland // Cleveland, OH
Mon, NOV 24 // The Rave / Eagles Club // Milwaukee, WI
Tue, NOV 25 // The Sylvee // Madison, WI
Wed, NOV 26 // Gravy Fest // Minneapolis, MN (tickets available)
Fri, NOV 28 // Clyde Theatre // Fort Wayne, IN
Sat, NOV 29 // The Intersection // Grand Rapids, MI
Sun, NOV 30 // HISTORY // Toronto, Canada
Tue, DEC 2 // Electric City // Buffalo, NY
Thu, DEC 4 // The Fillmore Charlotte // Charlotte, NC
Fri, DEC 5 // MegaCorp Pavilion // Newport, KY
Sat, DEC 6 // Old Forester’s Paristown Hall // Louisville, KY
