Introducing The Artists Spotlight: Young Av

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting Young AV (real name Avian Burns) at the press party at Infinite Exposure Shows for NYFW and I have to say that I am impressed by this young man. This Georgia-born, Greenville, South Carolina-raised native moved to New York, just a mere 3 months ago to expand his career. "God never steered me in the wrong," according to the rapper, when he explained his big move.

Young AV, picture by Elizabeth Martin Photography

Before his "purpose being bigger than Greenville," Young AV's first got into music when he was a kid. His parents who are high school sweethearts, his mom was into the church and his dad was from the hood. Together they made the perfect blend, which combined gave AV his love for music with the smoothness of r&b and the tough and yet fun hip-hop. He has his parents to thank for his great upbringing.

At the age of 17, he became independent while he was in high school. AV's love for Hip-hop/R&B music saw him in an 8th-grade talent show as part of a group called, Young Suave.

Young AV considers himself a 'jack of all trades' because he not only writes his own music, (which on the artist's best day can take him up to a day to get one song done) he owns the rights to his music and produces. 

When asked who are his music inspirations? He responded,

"Chance the Rapper because he speaks about what he went through, his versatility with genres like jazz and hip-hop. Also Tierra Whack (from Philly) because of her melodies and she is chill. Her music has messages." These are all qualities that AV sees in himself. 

Young AV stylin'

"I wanted to make music because it's personal." He said. And personal they are, with his song The Ville featuring Bryce Coker, the rappers talk about repping their hood of Greenville and calling out the posers. Everyone can relate to My Everything where he talks about loving someone, but not sure if the love is returned. 

Aside from his budding music career, AV also is also on his entrepreneur tip with apparel brand State of Mind. Although he is not the owner of the company, he promotes their clothes and skin products. 

If you ever get the opportunity to meet Young AV, he is the most down to earth person I have ever had the chance of meeting. I wish him the best of success in his career.

You can follow Young AV on his Instagram at @realYoungAV and Twitter also at @realYoungAV.

Click on the link for Av's Youtube channel.

He is also on Apple Music and Spotify.

Soundcloud: Young AV

Videographer: MsRKayBee

State of Mind Instagram: @Stateofmindfocus

Website: Stateofmindnyc.com

Check out Young Av's videos below!