Although he has been around the entertainment industry for quite some time, Kevon “Yankeyboy” Heath only decided to seriously venture into Soca music for Carnival 2K11. Almost instantly his first release “Head Nice” which featured Patch became a hit. Entertainment Macco had the opportunity to catch up with the Rum King himself and offcourse we did not hesitate to grill him, we even got him to shed some light on the rumours we were hearing. (Yes there were rumours) Have a good read guys and don’t forget to leave your comments.
Entertainment Macco: Who is Yankeyboy?
Yankeyboy: “I am now the “New York Rum King”, that’s a new name that was given to me. Haha! With Yankeyboy it is all about Swag and always being different. I always wanted to be different and it was because of this. People knew me before a song due to the image....”
Entertainment Macco: What is your government name?
Yankeyboy: “Kevon Bovel Heath.”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me your date of birth please...
Yankeyboy: “I was born on 28-04-83... That makes me a Taurus”
Entertainment Macco: Dude, you are almost as tall as a skyscraper... lol How tall are you?
Yankeyboy: “Haha....I am not that tall but I am 6”2.”
Entertainment Macco: Why the sobriquet Yankeyboy?
Yankeyboy: “When I use to live back in Trinidad anyone who really knows me would tell you that I used to be barefeet or dressed with no socks on and probably often seen walking around bareback and that changed when I went to NYC. When I came back home after 3 years they said the swag changed and started calling me a yankee, so I had to live up to the swag.”
Entertainment Macco: What part of Trinidad and Tobago are you originally from?
Yankeyboy: “Pinto Road, Arima...down in the ghetto.”
Entertainment Macco: How long have you been living overseas?
Yankeyboy: “It has been 10 years.”
Entertainment Macco: Are you single/in a relationship or married?
Yankeyboy: “I am a 100% single...I was in a relationship before but she couldn’t handle the studio life so now I single and I am dating!”
Entertainment Macco: What about children, do you have any?
Yankeyboy: “No children......but I am planning too in the next 1 ½ - 2 yrs once I find the right person. Once she isn’t jealous and understands what I am doing and she has to be somebody with some book sense because I have all the street sense.”
Entertainment Macco: How long has Yankeeboy been involved in the entertainment industry?
Yankeyboy: “It has really only been 2 years... I spent 1 year watching the game and building an image and then released music. I studied the game first...”
Entertainment Macco: Are you a full-time artiste?
Yankeyboy: “No but I am consumed by music.”
Entertainment Macco: What is your full-time profession?
Yankeyboy: “I have an 8-4...I rather not say what it is but I have another profession....a very legit one.”
Entertainment Macco: You were not always singing Soca, What other genres of music were you were involved in?
Yankeyboy: “I was playing around with hip hop and Trini reggae and having fun with that; I came out of the studio 53 camp, there was where it started for me. Until one day I realized that you could never be a number 1 reggae artiste because it is Jamaica’s thing but you could still strive in Soca and have one song and be the top soca artiste for that year.”
Entertainment Macco: Now, I am familiar with some of the work you have done before (because I am a macco), tell EM how the collaboration with Patch came about?
Yankeyboy: “Patch decided to work with me off of my hard work and seeing me perform.”
Entertainment Macco: Explain?
Yankeyboy: “I was in Boston on a show and Patch was on the same show. I had a riddim the KIS riddim which I was playing and vibing with at the house; we were in the same house. I started singing the melody and the hook hoping it would catch his attention, which did happen. He came out of his room and asked me to sing, which I did. He got really hyped and asked me to sing the song with me saying that the song would be big in Trinidad. He started singing along and said to add the second hook that was how the ‘Head nice’ part came about as well...”
Entertainment Macco: Oh ho!
Yankeyboy: “That is how we ended up linking. It wasn’t a plan because we didn’t know each other before and it was just vibes...same place at the same time...”
Entertainment Macco: How did the concept of “Head Nice” come about? Tell me about the motivation...
Yankeyboy: “Well for anyone who knows me most of my songs are about drinking. I don’t sing about girls because I don’t want people to know what I am thinking or risk the chance of offending anyone...I don’t do the waving thing because it have people for that. The drinking is something I really do so it was easy.”
Entertainment Macco: You love the rum boy? Uhhmmm Right!
Yankeyboy: “Girl to tell you the truth I almost forget this interview because I was going to drink. I reach in front by Lyrikal them and had to turn back...Haha.”
Entertainment Macco: Who wrote the song?
Yankeyboy: “Both Patch and I initially.”
Entertainment Macco: How did Cassie end up being part of the collaboration?
Yankeyboy: “Patch and I were at the studio recording and decided to take a break and go catch something to eat. While we were doing that Cassie was passing and hailed out Patch. Apparently he was having issues and Patch asked to put it on the song. Cassie wrote his part as well...”
Entertainment Macco: What was your reaction to the request?
Yankeyboy: “I didn’t want him on the song because I didn’t know him but after careful consideration I figured if Patch was looking out for me then I should look out for him too. That was it really.”
Entertainment Macco: Who own the song?
Yankeyboy: “Me, Patch and the Producer (Obanga)”
Entertainment Macco: Well Head Nice turned out to be one of the popular songs this season, But I had no idea you sang on that song, before you got to Trinidad, many people were under the impression that the song was owned by Patch, do you think it was the public’s misconception as Patch has been around longer or do you think that Patch saw an opportunity to own the tune?
Yankeyboy: “I think Patch saw an opportunity to own the song...every DJ in Trini said Patch gave them the CD and it said Patch on it. No mention of Yankeyboy was made according to the CD’s that these DJ’s showed me that he distributed.”
Entertainment Macco: When did all this take place?
Yankeyboy: “This was happening behind my back because i didn’t reach Trinidad as yet.”
Entertainment Macco: So we have heard many rumours that you and Patch have some sort of beef going on (or should I refer to it as a misunderstanding).....Could you shed some light on this for me?
Yankeyboy: “We fixed the misunderstanding but the damage has already been done..but I will just act normal because that is the type of person I am. This controversy just gave my career a push because the streets didn’t like what they were seeing and hearing. Would you believe that people made it their business to find me and let me know what was happening?”
Entertainment Macco: Did you expect that something like this would happen?
Yankeyboy: “Never! Not at all. We planned everything out. Everything was so different when we linked up and spoke or at least that was what I thought. So I didn’t expect that at all...”
Entertainment Macco: I did some digging, (I bet you are not surprised) and I called COTT only to hear that ‘Head Nice’ is registered to Patch and Cassie, can you explain this?
Yankeyboy: “Well when I realized that the song was registered without me I called Patch and he said that the reason it was done like that was because he didn’t know that I was a member of COTT. So he told me to fill out the form and he would sign it.”
Entertainment Macco: Did you fill out the form?
Yankeyboy: “Yes I did."
Entertainment Macco: So Soca Monarch night came and for the viewing audience many were wondering again, whether you were part of the collaboration, a prop or a hype man, why did you take a back seat during the performance?
Yankeyboy: “The reason for that was because of the energy and vibes, it was off. I was glad to be there but I wasn’t comfortable. I came up for my part and did my thing and went back to where I was. If a next man wanted his shine then let him go ahead because I know what I can do. But real talk I really didn’t want to be there at that point in time.....There was a point in time when I almost came back to NYC out of frustration”
Entertainment Macco: So while we on the topic of Soca Monarch, I heard a rumour that Patch called Caribbean Prestige Foundation (CPF) and tried to get your name removed, saying that he was the owner of the song and that you would not be able to sing in the finals as you were going back to NYC, is there any truth to this?
Yankeyboy: “What I can say is this; I received a call from CPF enquiring about the same thing you heard on the streets. I called Patch and he denied it so I really don’t know if the streets telling the truth, if there was a mix up at CPF and well Patch said it wasn’t the truth so I guess I eh have no choice but to believe Patch.”
Entertainment Macco: The highlight of the performance was when you put a bottle of Hennessy to your head and began drinking it.....hear nah, was that real Hennessy or was it Mauby?
Yankeyboy: “It was really Hennessey, it was something I practiced. For the entire week before Soca Monarch I was drinking molasses and honey to prepare my stomach and to keep my throat in a gear for that.”
Entertainment Macco: A little birdy told me you passed out backstage after the performance as a result of your head being nice? True of False?
Yankeyboy: “TRUE I went in the production room and meh head was really nice. Those fellas were laughing at me..but it is true...”
Entertainment Macco: We picked up a copy of the Best Of Best Soca Hits album and noticed that there was another version of “Head Nice” (The godfather chutney remix) with just mention being made of Patch, How come you didn’t sing on that version?
Yankeyboy: “Both Cassi and I are in the song but once again my name was not included.”
Entertainment Macco: Is that an issue for you?
Yankeyboy: “No it does not bother me because the streets already know that I have a part to play in the song....”
Entertainment Macco: What is your favourite alcoholic drink? (If he says Hennessy ask what is so special about that drink...)
Yankeyboy: “Hennessy for sure!”
Entertainment Macco: What is so special about this drink?
Yankeyboy: “For me when I drink it I don’t get headaches or any bad feeling and yuh head does really get nice. Before I sing I would always take a shot, it is like my energy.”
Entertainment Macco: Explain the feeling of qualifying for Soca Monarch finals at your first attempt.
Yankeyboy: “I felt real good. However it wasn’t all about me, I am feeling great for the people who knew me before because the whole of Brooklyn congratulating me. I was studying about the people in the US who were supporting and backing me. My facebook went from 3000 – 5000 in days; I had to open another page. Being acknowledged by people like Machel and Bunji is amazing...my dream wasn’t to reach so far so quickly. Honestly reaching finals was ahead of my plans and I am still trying to ketch up with myself.”
Entertainment Macco: When you realized that “Head Nice” was one of the bigger songs for Carnival 2k11 what was your reaction?
Yankeyboy: “The first time I heard it I was in a bar I nearly buy drinks for everyone in the bar...it was overwhelming. It proved that hard work really does pay off. The fact that once people could relate to it is also great.”
Entertainment Macco: The hype about “Head Nice” has not died as yet and I am hearing another track that is sure to cause a stir, “Drunkin On De Road” tell me a little about this new release?
Yankeyboy: “To be honest that song getting a heavy buzz in New York, Boston and Washington.”
Entertainment Macco: The song was released before “Head Nice” right?
Yankeyboy: ”Yes it was I held it back, many people in Trini wanted to know why I didn’t release it but I really opted to not push it and hold it. I do not want to over flood the airwaves but to always give people something and remain consistent.”
Entertainment Macco: What is up with these colourful hats that you are always wearing?
Yankeyboy: “Talpree calls me visa hat and people call him visa hair because it is said that if either of us decide to get rid of our signature look no one will recognize us. I have like 48 of these hats. People got scared when I threw away the hat in Soca Monarch finals. These hats are specially made for me by someone and not one of them is identical to the other; the colours in the front are always different, more red or green etc.”
Entertainment Macco: Do you have a special interest in fashion? Or plans to develop something in the future?
Yankeyboy: “My swag is different and I do have a thing for fashion and I can see myself venturing into that business....”
Entertainment Macco: I understand you used to play Steelpan? I am shocked....tell me a little about that...
Yankeyboy: “I am a crackshot, I won 3 school music festivals for Arima Senior Comprehensive, I’ve been on tour twice. I’ve played with Exodus and Defence Force. During the Carnival season I used to play with 5-8 bands.”
Entertainment Macco: Generally what are your views on the Soca Industry?
Yankeyboy: “Everyone is for self; there is lack of co operation. Not forgetting that there are very few genuine people. It is so serious that it makes me feel to move the same way but I am different...I am still trying to figure out if it is the right thing.”
Entertainment Macco: Why do you think there are more successful men than women in the entertainment industry ?
Yankeyboy: “It is easier for men to put themselves out there...the way that I see it so far is, if a female wants to get by she has to sleep with someone, that is how it looks. People are not willing to help women too much, men don’t have much to lose as far as reputation is concerned and they have less sacrifices to make”
Entertainment Macco: Tell me that one thing that absolutely annoys and frustrates you about the Soca industry?
Yankeyboy: "The fact that people think they are better than you when you all are really on the same level....the whole fight down scene...”
Entertainment Macco: What is your biggest turn on in the opposite sex?
Yankeyboy: “The walk does just turn me on boy!!!”
Entertainment Macco: What is sexy to you?
Yankeyboy: “Down to earth and willing to do anything...being open-minded and free spirited is super sexy to me.”
Entertainment Macco: When you are looking for a mate do you look for someone in the industry or out of the industry and why?
Yankeyboy: “Nobody in the industry....because people in the industry like to go behind yuh woman when she in the industry. Haha. People woman does come to me and I can’t do anything about it because they are my friends. But seriously some of them fellas ruthless!”
Entertainment Macco: What can we expect from Yankeeboy in the near future?
Yankeyboy: “More rum, more swag, more realness and big entourage... I have already recorded 5 songs which includes two collaborations one with Makamillion and the other with Sugar Jay, the rest are singles. There is also one to come with Lyrikal and I. Real things about to happen!”
Entertainment Macco: Are you working on any new songs?
Yankeyboy: “I have a song coming out on the 15th of this month, it’s called “More Rum”, it’s based on a true story, on my life and I think people are going to love it and I have “Get in the Section” which was done for a mas band in NYC for labour day.”
Entertainment Macco: Would you like to shout out anyone? The floor is open
Yankeyboy: “Thank you Problem Child he always gives me sound advice and shout out to Tallpree for the insight into the game, he is meh real friend. Buffy is like my little sister so mad love to her. Thank you to all the radios for showing me love and the willingness to accommodate me for interviews. Lyrikal yuh big, meh friend for life! Also blessings to Obanga and Ms. Diamond. Then special mention has to be made of the Millionaire family who took me under their wing, showing me around and getting me into fetes. Yankeyboy to the world!”
Entertainment Macco: Thank you so much Yankey and all the best in your future endeavours.
Yankeyboy: “Thank you for having me.....ooohh and before I forget I just wanted to add doh listen to what the streets say Patch is a nice boy but people trying to fight him down. We already talk and he tells me that he plans to help me next year”
Entertainment Macco: There is such a sarcastic undertone!
Category:
Cassi,
Kevon Heath,
New York Rum King,
Patch,
Yankeyboy
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32 Responses
Yankeyboy don't ever work with Patch again...he is a snake that is why no one in the industry like to deal with him.l I hope you learn from this experience.... He register that song @ COTT without you don't buy his story for a minute.... WTA
He tried to get you out of SOCA MONARCH....WOW
He tried to ride off your hard work....
I am not shocked because it is the same thing he did with that Mastamind fella...
I guess he does those things because he cannot sing in key lmao....
The truth finally comes out about Patch, he is such a tief
Yankey Boy you looking kinda hot dey :)
Yo since the whole bachannal with Mastamind i knew patch as a snake, cause he come trinidad to the radio station i work at with cds with just his name on it for rum and roti so Yankey boy have to be telling the truth. Patch boy God don't sleep
Well look thing! Like Patch head was nice when he decide to double cross Yankeyboy.. Apparently he forgetting that this industry very small and eventually everyone will see his true side. I really like Yankeyboy's vibe and I like the fact that he was cautious when answering the questions. I also like the fact that the macco real dig and called COTT to find out that the song was registered excluding Yankeyboy's name. That was brilliant..that is what you call maccoing!
All the best to Yankey and I hope Patch change his deceitful ways (and I am only saying that because I have dealt with him before)
who is patch???? is he like a short ras that does sing off-key all the time?? cause i remember seeing him perform head nice in trini and i was thinking this cyar be his song cause he singing it all wrong LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL
Oh gadddo I didn't know all this bacchanal was going on! Yankeyboy you have belly to deal with patch and he shit! Well look thing!! Patch boi learn to sing in key and stop trying to trick and fight down people! *Head nice I feel like I in paradiseeeeee*
what a shame,i am an artist and yankey should thank patch for bringing him out i never heard any song played on the radio from yankey boy before and insted he thank patch he is trying to pull him down with a set of lies,that is why the industry as is,i know patch and yankey is a lier because i know for a fact the files for that song was sent to samuel jack in trinidad because of patch yankey dont even know how much patch pay jack to record the song all yankey had in the song was i am a drinker patch wrote everything else and why patch did a video if he wanted people to think is he alone sang the song the video was patch idea i was in trinidad patch who organise everything and then call yankey what i would tell patch though stop trying to help those kind of people who want to be artist and they said patch put his name alone on the cd that is a lie yankey is the one who try to alter the video on youtube to put his name first and that mastamind thing is also a lie because it was shawn or sean himself came to trinidad and release the song patch was in ny when rum and roti was release this yankey boy and this mastamind only making things bad for up coming artist i hope yankey boy songs play up in trinidad 2011
nahhhhhhhhhhhhh yankey boy!you is the greatist after all patch did for you boy,nahhhhhhhh man!you worst than a skunk!people is real haters yes,i hope god forgive you yes.
but this yankey boy in a real mess?i heard him bigging up patch and thanking patch for bringing him out and now i am reading this boooooooo for u yankey!
such a one side story! patch is still all over the world making money and representing trinidad and tobago and look at you people trying to fight him down the mastamind the yankey boy and the rest of you with your negative comments about patch it seems to me that entertainment macco ic also ploting against patch how come she did not contact patch only yankey boy come on people be smart macco do better than that get your story right before you post stuff,did you know yankey boy was in an accident and messed up his head?
Number 8 how you defending Patch so like you is he wife or mother? further more you lying Patch bring cds by Iwer station with his name alone with head nice on it, no one else and he did the same thing with Rum and Roti and told people on the radio with CG that the song is his he sang it alone and that Mastamind did back up vocals. you probably in bed with Patch so you must defend him.
So because a new artiste do a song with a more experience one he must sit down and take all the garbage that the more experience artist dish out. come on now fair is fair, if Patch knew that Yankey wrote some of the song one line or not why register the song without him, why not encourage him to join COTT so he could get recognized for his work. why take the credit for yourself if you trying to help an up and coming artist? Do the right thing. The veterans in the biz should be helping the up and coming talent in Trinidad not pulling them down or stealing from them
patch big up to the world you are truely bless but this seems to be a mastamind thing and they trying to use yankey too,but patch has moved on to bigger and better things mastamind singing songs and it only playing when they post it on facebook look how many songs mastamind sang after rum and roti and he could sing in key but still meh cah hear it on the radio patch songs all over the place though?lllllooooollll.
So how Mastamind get in all this is what i want to know? I see an interview with Yankey Boy, but allyuh good yes, Calling up the man name and he ain't have nothing to do with this
A A like Patch people come out with a vengeance. So what if he was bigging up patch..he find out patch try to double cross him according to this interview that he why he talking now! I think it was very noble bec real artistes walking around here fighting down other people and nobody speaks out. I done hear on the streets that Yankey had to run down Patch for him to sign the COTT form..Patch wasn't willing to sign it in the first instance. He register the song 60/40 for him and Cassi and intentionally left out Yankey, he nasty according to the streets.
mrs claudia,everyone have to sign the form from cut and patch and cassi had sign the for this is what i know and when yankee came to trinidad patch told him to get a for so that the three of them would sign it yankey should talk the whole truth he came right here in trinidad got the form from cott sign his name and left it by a bar in trinidad cause he had to return to the us i was moving with patch when he went to the bar got the form sign his name find cassi and let him sign also and patch then drop the form by cott that dont sound like a thief to me.
so why dont this macco person get patch side of the story?
the streets the streets i live in trinidad and never heard anything like that patch need to stick to himself and forget about helping new artist god knows the truth
Good Day, For those who have been questioning whether or not I contacted Patch, an email was in fact sent to Patch however no response was received. I only just a few minutes ago contacted COTT for contact information for Patch which I would attempt to use. So sit tight once Patch is willing to talk/respond his side of the story would be heard.
Please remember to keep the comments clean and refrain from any obscene language
@ #18 I am not a singer but i do know how COTT works, You do not need more than one form to register a song. So if i collaborated on a song with 2 other artist, i would seek them out for there signatures to register the song together. why would i split it between 2 of the 3 and submit it, i would wait till all parties can sign and submit it.
I would love to hear Patch side of the story, really would.
I will try my best to bring that to you guys as I do with all my interviews once the parties are willing. So stay tuned!
had enough fun on this patch blessings to you and you beautiful wife and family i read you interview when you big up yuh wife full hundred on the news day news papers not many artist could do that respect you is ah boss!
#25 was for the entertainment macco!
Patch boy say something nah? lol
All the best to you Yankeyboy i believe what you are saying because I had personal experience with Patch. Is the same way I hear he tried to fight down Mastamind and went all over Trinidad say the song was his own
"Commess in the Placeeeee" *in an off key Patch voice*....
This is such an eye opener if it is true....
Great interview EM. Let's hope there's more success for Yankey in future. Ah hear de industry real nasty. Go Yankey!
let me tell u this, about this boy name patch
when a man have a big tune he does try to get attached
when he sing songs with people it does be a hit
but when he sing songs by heself it does be rell shhhhhh
Commess in the place
bwhahahahahhahahaa @ #5
Patch cant say something,,,, all he could do is thief people fame,,,, and sing bout commess and macomere,,,, what kind of artist does sing about " if yuh see macome man?"