YONAS

There’s something really interesting about Yonas’ new album The Proven Theory. Aside from the usual hip-hop rubric of, good choice of production, poignant song concepts, and thoughtful, quipping lyricism, Yonas also somehow seems to come across as expansive in terms of who will like this album. Instead of nibbling off a categorized corner of the market, The Proven Theory has the potential to infiltrate the ears of several different kinds of people.

That doesn’t suggest that Yonas is the next John Lennon. But in the same breath, he also isn’t the next paper-thin, fifth member of the Black Eyed Peas either (though he does have some fist-pump tracks). What Yonas has managed to do is make music with depth and balance that could still be radio anthems, pop jams, head-nod heaters, or even club bangers. No easy feat for any emcee, and for those that try, very few can do it as seamlessly as this.

The first song, “I Could,” is the perfect example of how Yonas somehow can create a sonic stewpot. The track itself is definitely a new school mainstream beat that could have just as easily been for Lupe, Cudi, Kanye, and the like. The lyrics are super tight, with an intricate and disciplined rhyme scheme spelling out an age old proclamation that dreams do come true. The chorus is an anathematic sing along, chanting about the beautiful struggle, perfect for concerts packed with emotionally charged fans. The chorus also displays another recurring theme on this album, and that’s Yonas’ immense faith in God, which is quite an anomaly in hip-hop. Yet somehow it never comes across as preachy or pretentious, and instead just seems sincere and vulnerable, which works.

Another song that sticks out, only because it veers a bit, is “Stupid Brilliance.” The beat is pretty light, and bouncy. And the chorus, again, is pseudo-melodic. But this is his “regular rap song” where he verbally masturbates just to show that he can hold his own with the pen. And he does. Major.

The Proven Theory, isn’t the only album of its kind, but definitely one of few who can walk the line so well, balancing serious lyricism, pointed song topics, sincerity, radio potentiality, and gusto. Whatever you like, especially in terms of kinds of hip-hop, there is definitely something here for you. My only hope is that while chasing universal success, he doesn’t get complacent with the groove that he’s found and continues to take risks. I also hope that he can keep this hunger when people know his name and he’s no longer physically hungry anymore. - OkayPlayer.com

I Need A Dollar remix hit #5 on the Hype Machine chart - The Hype Machine

I Need A Dollar remix hit #5 on the Hype Machine chart - The Hype Machine

"Shy Kidz" featured on MTVu - The Freshman - MTVu

"Shy Kidz" featured on MTVu - The Freshman - MTVu

Let me start off by saying Yonas is was ahead of his competition. Not only did he put out an absolute crack album, “The Proven Theory”, he follows it up with a video that may lead you to believe he’s an accomplished star in the industry. Yes, that day will likely come, probably sooner than later, but Yonas is still working his way into the limelight, killing all aspects of the game. Lyrically lethal, he shows what he really is capable with this video for one of the most popular tracks off the album, “Shy Kids”. Personally this isn’t my favorite track off the tape but when you put out such a quality album, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I highly recommend buying the full album on iTunes HERE. - Fresh 2 Death Daily

Let me start off by saying Yonas is was ahead of his competition. Not only did he put out an absolute crack album, “The Proven Theory”, he follows it up with a video that may lead you to believe he’s an accomplished star in the industry. Yes, that day will likely come, probably sooner than later, but Yonas is still working his way into the limelight, killing all aspects of the game. Lyrically lethal, he shows what he really is capable with this video for one of the most popular tracks off the album, “Shy Kids”. Personally this isn’t my favorite track off the tape but when you put out such a quality album, it’s hard to pick a favorite. I highly recommend buying the full album on iTunes HERE. - Fresh 2 Death Daily

If Yonas keeps making hits he might just fuck around and get famous. The Bronx emcee can spit, but he’s also got choruses catchy enough to reel in those listeners that need a hook through their lip before they pay attention. Listen to/download “Mindless” below. His album, The Proven Theory, drops April 25th. - Pigeons and Planes

Bronx representative and longtime Booth fave Yonas has joined forces with DJBooth.net to offer his latest album, The Proven Theory, for streaming and purchase.

The project features 12 fresh tracks from the NYC up-and-comer who brought us I Am Us back in late 2009. Included are reader-acclaimed leaks “Radio Flow,” “Nobody Else,” “Mindless,” “Fall Back” and “I Could.”

Yonas flies solo throughout the album, handling all mic duties as well as co-producing the project with Sean Divine

Read more: http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/yonas-proven-theory/#ixzz1MuOWduas
on DJBooth.net - DJ Booth

Bronx representative and longtime Booth fave Yonas has joined forces with DJBooth.net to offer his latest album, The Proven Theory, for streaming and purchase.

The project features 12 fresh tracks from the NYC up-and-comer who brought us I Am Us back in late 2009. Included are reader-acclaimed leaks “Radio Flow,” “Nobody Else,” “Mindless,” “Fall Back” and “I Could.”

Yonas flies solo throughout the album, handling all mic duties as well as co-producing the project with Sean Divine

Read more: http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/yonas-proven-theory/#ixzz1MuOWduas
on DJBooth.net - DJ Booth

Yonas was recently interviewed by "On WAX Magazine"... - On WAX Magazine

Yonas (formerly known as "CAUSE") was recently interviewed on popular Hip Hop blog iLLROOTS.com - IllRoots.com

Yonas (formerly known as "CAUSE") was chosen to be featured on G-Unit Mixtape - BallerStatus.com

Yonas (formerly known as "CAUSE") was chosen to be featured on G-Unit Mixtape - BallerStatus.com

Yonas' song "Nobody Else" hit No.1 on the DJBooth.net Indie Charts, for its overwhelming popularity in its first week of being released - DJBooth.net

Yonas' song "Nobody Else" was found organically via blog buzz and selected to be played on one of NY's major Radio Stations, Power 105.1FM - Power 105.1 FM - "NewNY"

Best Rap / Hip-Hop song for "Banga" - Billboard

http://thatsenuff.com/index.php/2010/11/thatsenuff-artist-spotlight-yonas-nobody-else/ - DJ Enuff

MONDAY, 15 OCTOBER 2007 Reppin' NY showing how hip hop is and how his name is more than a tagline and how he speaks on more than music!
We recently broke the news on CAUSE and his remix's of 50/Ye's singles "Stronger" and "Ayo Technology". We were so impressed we had to get some more info on the emcee - so you all heard it first on hiphopremix.com. Respect game and respect the CAUSE!
CAUSE is a pretty unique name – how did it come about?
Actually, a friend of mine that gave me the name. It was back in high school there used to be these freestyle ciphers and every time I would share a freestyle or a poem it would be about something. Compared to all my friends who would talk about guns and all this other nonsense I would always come with these issues that would come in my life. So, a friend of mine was like, “yo, you always rapping about a cause, I feel your name should be CAUSE.” Ever since then I just adopted it.
Growing up - whose behind your inspiration to become an emcee?
Actually, Tupac. Tupac Shakur. Just because he took his issues from life to the microphone and back into life. He was a full artist. He was impressionable to the people and that is something I admired – from any artist. Those not only are they artist but how are they off the microphone and how they treat people and how do they treat the movement.
Favorite song from Pac?
*laughs* There are so many. At this point its “Changes”. “Changes” is probably number one. “Dear Momma” is number two. I just feel those are his most honest songs.
Pac inspired you but when did you decide to actually rock the mic internally?
Wow. I think the first time was when I went to the studio and messed up. *laughs*. Honestly from that point I realized how hard it was. I realized how much of a challenge it would be. Its one thing to be in a cipher and to clown around then to actually go to a studio and create something you’re proud of. It’s a lot of hard work. I felt it was going to be easy because I did freestyle ciphers so easily. It became naturally for me. So, the first time I actually went to the studio with a friend and messed up. I was like I gotta make this full time thing and I gotta work hard it and its actually going to be a challenge. That’s what made me have to push full force. Ever since then I’ve been trying to repeat that. Every time I step in the studio I try to repeat that.
On the track “More than Music” – you speak on how rap / hip hop is more than music. Yet, how did you come about that at such a young age?
A lot of it was how I grew up. Hip Hop is suppose to be about your experience. You can’t blame someone who has money and they talk about money in their music because that’s what they know. Or somebody who dances a lot like Soulja Boy you can’t blame them because that’s their culture. My culture was my mom came from Columbia and went to Columbia, the University, and my father went to Columbia University. I come from an educated household. So, that’s how I grew up. I grew up observing the different struggles not only in America but back where I’m from which is Ethiopia. So it was just something that’s always been with me. My life has always been it’s a lot more than music. The world is a lot more than where we are.
Speaking on the Soulja Boys – what’s your view on the “mainstream” rap?
People expect me to hate on it. But I like where its at for the simple fact at this point I feel artist are doing what they want. I feel like everyone is starting their own movement. Even if people are feeling like its in a bad place I feel like from the downs in life you really have a bigger appreciation when life is up. It also gives you more motivation; more drive more inspiration to bring it back up to the level you’re happy with. So, I feel it’s beautiful because its coming full cycle about to get into the real hip hop because people miss it.
Who are feeling on the underground circuit that is getting ready to “blow up”?
Actually, I don’t look at artist as “underground” or “commercial” – I just look at artists who are more popular than others within their community. I respect Immortal Technique whom remains underground and has pretty good following. I just got put onto Blue Scholars and respect their movement. I’m very selective. Wordsworth. I respect few artists and I listen to a few artists. Being an artist myself I like zone out and I listen to different genres of music as well.
So who all do you listen to on the side then?
Oh, Otis Redding. I listen to Stevie Wonder. I listen to old Ray Charles. I love Amy Winehouse. I like soul music. I like Daptones. Even some Dave Matthews – Dave Matthews is on point.
The EP is definitely a banger but what else are you currently working on?
At the time I’m actually working on a mixtape and an album. I never wanted to do a mixtape but I feel like people wanted it from me so I decided to do it. It more like a remix tape, like redoing the hooks and stuff like that.
When should we expect th - Hip Hop Remix

http://www.montrealmirror.com/2009/020509/music6.html - Montreal Mirror (Newspaper)

WEDNESDAY, 19 SEPTEMBER 2007
Meet the newest mc of the game out of the Bronx, NY - think Talib mixed with Kayne and you got fire - check out the tracks of "CAUSE"

Before you think what we say is a joke - peep game for itself where CAUSE takes the 50/Ye battle and remix's a track from each.
50 Cent's - Ayo Technology REMIX
Kayne West's - Stronger REMIX
Now you know the name AND the music be on the look-out for this cat. Destined to take rap to the next era HipHopRemix is happy to introduce CAUSE.
For more info on the mc - reach out and show love for him HERE
- Hip Hop Remix

5. Cause, “Ayo Technology” (Remix)
Nobody is having a worse week than 50 Cent. It looks like he’s losing the sales war with Kanye, he’s opened up beef with his label, chastised MTV, and now had his own song ripped apart by an unknown. Luckily, he has plenty of VitaminWater money with which to dry his tears. [Gillmore Boy]—Kyle Anderson
- New York Magazine

CAUSE Was the Prize Winning #1 artist in the Hip-Hop Category of the Ourstage.com contest back in January 2008 for his song "Banga"! (out of over 3,500 entries - Look under the month of January 2008)
http://www.ourstage.com/charts/music/18-hip-hop
- Ourstage.com

http://hiphopinformant.blogspot.com/2008/02/cause-born-and-raised-in-bronx-often.html - HipHopInformant.Blogspot.com

CAUSE Was the Prize Winning #1 artist in the Hip-Hop Category of the Ourstage.com contest back in January 2008 for his song "Banga"! (out of over 3,500 entries - Look under the month of January 2008)
http://www.ourstage.com/charts/music/18-hip-hop
- Ourstage.com

http://allhiphop.com/stories/multimedia__music/archive/2008/07/04/20256578.aspx - AllHipHop.com