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Moneybagg Yo has already had a busy 2020 — and he’s not planning on slowing down anytime soon. Since releasing his third studio album, Time Served, at the top of this year, the Memphis-bred rapper has also appeared on projects by Lil Baby and Fredo Bang, dropped a handful of back-to-back music videos, and signed a management deal with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation.
Debuting at No. 3 on the Billboard 200 — his most successful album yet — Time Served boasted 15 tracks of charismatic wordplay and street lyricism, marking a natural progression from 2019’s 43VA Heartless. The album was first led by a few star-studded collaborations, including Lil Baby’s “U Played,” Megan Thee Stallion’s “All Dat” and Blac Youngsta’s “123.” The project also saw Moneybagg team up with DaBaby, Future, Summer Walker and Fredo Bang, with Tay Keith, 30 Roc and more handling production.
Like all artists, his year has been impacted by COVID-19. The “No Sucker” rapper was scheduled to embark on his 29-city “Time Served Tour” last month before the pandemic forced the indefinite postponement of most live shows. Coronavirus has also delayed Moneybagg’s acting debut. His first feature film 24 Hours was supposed to be released earlier this year. However, it’s been pushed back and is now expected to arrive next month.
Despite suffering a few Coronavirus– related roadblocks, Moneybagg is still positioning himself for an incredibly successful 2020. Just last month, he dropped his inaugural apparel line from his Bread Gang Clothing company and he’s already gearing up to issue his next collection. Musically, Moneybagg tells REVOLT that he’s currently got “at least two or three” projects in the vault that he plans to release this year, including a Time Served (Deluxe), and a collaboration with Chris Brown.
In our exclusive interview with the star, Moneybagg gives details about his forthcoming music, his friendship with fellow Memphis rapper Blac Youngsta, his non-music business goals, why financial ownership is important to him, where he got his rap name and more. Read below!
Congratulations on your “123” video with Blac Youngsta that came out recently!
Oh yeah, that’s going crazy right now.
When did you guys film that?
We filmed it a little minute ago. It was fun, a lot of energy. It’s always good working with Blac Youngsta again.
You guys used to be in your own rap group together called MGU, Memphis Greatest Unrated, right?
Yep, exactly.
When you linked back up for Time Served, did it feel just like collaborating in the old days?
Yeah, we can always make a hit. It’s like magic. We just understand each other, you know what I mean? We know where each other came from.
You worked with a bunch of dope artists for Time Served like Lil Baby, DaBaby, Future and more. What was working with them like and how did some of those collaborations come about?
It was humbling for real. For a lot of them, it was just being in the right place at the right time.
You are also featured on Lil Baby’s record “No Sucker.” The video for that just came out. When you guys team up on a record, it tends to be a hit. Do you think you’re natural collaborators?
For sure, most definitely. And in our “U Played” video, we definitely were, too.
What’s going on with your Bread Gang Clothing line right now? I remember you teasing a new collection.
It’s out right now! It’s going crazy. We’ve got a lot of different things to choose from. You can go shop now and get your street gear.
Is that your brand’s first collection drop?
Yeah, that’s the first drop. I got a lot of different things coming up next, too.
You’re also set to make your acting debut in a movie called 24 Hours. Do you know when that’s supposed to come out?
Yeah, it’s coming. Probably in another month, it’ll come out.
I’m sure it’s been a little delayed due to Coronavirus. You were supposed to be touring right now, too, right? Do you have any idea when that’ll be postponed to or is it all in limbo right now?
Yep, most definitely. Everybody who’s got tickets can hold onto their tickets. When this whole situation’s over, it’ll be back on.
April is Financial Literacy Month. Even though you recently released Time Served, you’ve also got all these other ventures going on. Why are these other goals and business ownership important to you?
It most definitely is. It’s important because you’ve got your old fans, you know — people that only rock with you – so you’ve got to show them a new side to you and your brand, you know what I’m saying? And then, you’ve got to let everyone know what you got goin’ on, so they can vibe to it. So, you’ve got to have your own stuff [besides the music], period.
You’ve also got Moneybagg in your name. What inspired that?
I got the name in school from one of my homeboys. They gave it to me. We was in school, just runnin’ around the hood. My name’s Demario. So, they just put the Moneybagg over the Yo – kind of together.
Are you working on anything new right now?
Yeah, I’m gonna put out a [Time Served] Deluxe and then I’m dropping an album after that. I’m just working. I’m gonna be dropping a lot of content.
Do you know when you’re looking to drop that new album?
This year, for sure. I have at least two or three projects that’s gonna drop this year.
You’ve been in the studio!
Exactly.
Have you found that you’ve had more free time to record with social distancing?
Yeah, that’s the good part. That’s the only good thing about it.
Do you have any cool collaborations or any details you can tell us about your upcoming projects?
I got one with Chris Brown.
That’ll be dope!
Yeah, I’m just waiting on him to send it back. That’ll be a good one. That might go on the [Time Served] Deluxe. But yeah, that’s coming.
So, you’re not letting any of this slow you down, then.
Nah, nah. Corona[virus] ain’t stopping me!
What else have you been doing with your free time?
Spending time with the family, mostly. I mean, there’s really not much else to do, except spend time with the family, record [music] and shoot videos.
I saw an Instagram video of you Lysol-ing some money. Is that how you’re spending quarantine?
Yeah (laughs). Gotta clean that dirty money up!
Anything else you can tell us about Time Served (Deluxe) or your upcoming projects?
They crazy. They on the way real soon, real soon. I ain’t got no date yet. But, stay tuned.
To close things out, anything you’d like to say to your fans?
I love everybody!