A question people might be asking lately is, who is Yung Gravy? In today’s music world, new rappers emerge from the industry every day, especially with the help of Soundcloud and social media. 

One of these rappers is Minnesota-based Yung Gravy, who now works with other well-known artists such as Chief Keef and producer Y2K. 

People took to social media on January 28, 2023 in response to Yung Gravy’s less than stellar performance of his song “Betty (Get Money)” featuring his DJ and Emcee, Tiiiiiiiiiip. at the 2023 Winter X Games. See below.

The awkward performance sparked a frenzy on Tiktok with comments pouring in.

“Proof anyone can make it in the USA.”
“Is this a real artist?”
“And the crowd went mild.”

Nonetheless, it seems satirical rap has become an actual genre, and developed quite a fan base over the years.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m a fan of nearly all genres, from blue grass to rap. I even appreciate Weird Al, who is the creator of the comedy genre.

However Yung Gravy isn’t rap music, and he isn’t comedy. It’s cringy meme-music.

Why did Rick Astley Sue Yung Gravy?

Yung Gravy and his record label, Universal Music went through the proper clearance process to recreate the lyrics and music from Rick Astley’s 1987 hit, “Never Gunna Give You Up.”

However, this license does not allow Yung Gravy to sample, or mimic the exact sounds of the original recording.

Astley’s legal team argues that Yung Gravy’s featured vocalist, Popnick intentionally sang in a way that imitates Astley’s voice to the point where a listener cannot detect the difference between the original sound recording.

Several people worked on “Betty” including Dillon Francis, who is listed as the producer.

Does Yung Gravy actually like older women?

Yung Gravy has a reputation for being into older women; specifically moms. At the MTV Music Video awards, his relationship with Addison Rae’s mother, Sheri Easterling, went public when he planted a kiss on her mouth on live television.

Easterling was 42 years old at the time, while Yung Gravy was 26.

Early Life

Yung Gravy’s real name is Matthew Raymond Hauri. He was born on March 19, 1996. The Rochester native attended the University of Wisconsin and earned a degree in marketing. 

While attending college, he began rapping for fun, eventually publishing his music on Soundcloud. 

Some of his inspirations include fellow Soundcloud rappers Lil Yachty and Lil Peep. 

In 2016, he quit his job and dedicated himself to making music, spending months self-recording songs.

Musical Career

Yung Gravy has seven extended plays, three studio albums, and a mixtape. 

Before establishing himself as Yung Gravy, Hauri went through several name changes, such as Lil Steamer and Yung Gravity. 

His first EP, Mr. Clean, was self-released on September 8, 2016, via Republic Records.

A few months later, Hauri released his only Mixtape titled Thanksgiving Eve.

Following three more EPs, the songwriter released his first studio album, Sensational, in 2019. 

Since then, he has released two more studio albums and three more EPS, the latter all released in 2021. 

Style and Accoldates 

The American rapper’s style is modern trap music inspired by soul and oldies from the 50s and 60s and soul and funk from the 70s and 80s.

His biggest inspirations include OutKast, Three 6 Mafia, Smokey Robinson, and The Blackbyrds. 

All of this culminates into a hip-hop style that is humorous and satirical. 

Yung Gravy has gained recognition for his songs “Mr. Clean” and “1 Thot 2 Thot Red Thot Blue Thot,” both are now RIAA certified Platinum. 

Despite the Platinum status, this isn’t his best-charted song. That honor belongs to “iunno” (with bbno$) off his third EP, Baby Gravy. 

His highest-charting albums, Sensational and Gasanova, peaked at 52 on Billboard charts. 

Matthew Hauri created an eclectic rapping career with a growing following in only five years. 

His ten albums and EPs prove he has plenty of ideas and resources to continue for much longer.