Lil Ya on Forming UNLV, Meeting Birdman & Slim, 1st Group Signed to Cash Money Records (Part 1)

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In this clip, Lil Ya of U.N.L.V. described his upbringing in New Orleans during the 1980s crack era. He talked about how the overall vibe of the city emanated love but the violence that's inherent to poverty was still prevalent.

He also recounted his uncle being an early influence on him and Tec-9 rapping. They started a group named the Sporty MCs and initially wrote positive lyrics. However, after getting older and being inspired by rappers like Everlasting Hitman and Juvie, Lil Ya and Tec-9 changed the name of their group along with their subject matter.

Later, Lil Ya recounted how the group landed their initial meeting with Cash Money. Lil Ya discussed what ultimately made them sign to Cash Money and for how much. He also recalled working with Mannie Fresh and recording U.N.L.V.'s first album with the label in Fresh's kitchen while they sat on crates and passed a single mic around to record their verses.