Young M.A

Here’s a full, rich biography and reflection on Young M.A — her life, music, influence, and memorable words.

Young M.A – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes

Learn about Young M.A (Katorah Marrero) — from Brooklyn roots to hip-hop stardom, her rise with Ooouuu, and her powerful voice. Explore “life and career of Young M.A,” her “quotes,” and her impact today.

Introduction

Young M.A (born April 3, 1992) is an American rapper, songwriter, and cultural figure known for her blunt lyricism, authenticity, and boundary-pushing presence in hip-hop.

She broke into the mainstream with her 2016 viral hit Ooouuu, and has since built a career on independence, emotional depth, and honest expression.

In a music world often dominated by male voices, she stands out not just for her sound, but for being openly herself — speaking about sexuality, pain, loss, and resilience.

Early Life and Family

Young M.A was born Katorah Kasanova Marrero in Brooklyn, New York City on April 3, 1992.

When she was just one year old, her father was incarcerated for 10 years, meaning much of her early childhood went by without his presence.

With her father absent, she and her brother grew especially close, and her mother later relocated with them for a safer environment. Chesterfield, Virginia, to avoid the harsher conditions of East New York.

Her mother supported her early musical inclinations: Young M.A began writing rhymes when she was still in school, and her mom purchased a karaoke machine so she could practice.

Young M.A attended Sheepshead Bay High School, graduating around 2010.

One of the most tragic formative events in her life was the death of her brother, Kenneth Ramos, in 2009. He was stabbed by a former friend. That loss deeply affected her and would echo throughout her creative work.

Career and Achievements

Early Efforts & Breakthrough

Young M.A’s rise was gradual and self-driven. Before mainstream success, she self-funded a studio, worked at jobs (e.g. at Shake Shack, TJ Maxx) to support her music ambitions, and released early tracks and freestyles.

In 2014, she gained attention through a freestyle called Brooklyn Chiraq which went viral after being shared and debated online.

In 2015, she dropped Body Bag, which Rolling Stone noted for its impact on YouTube. She also released a mixtape Sleep Walkin in 2015.

Then in 2016 came her breakout: the single Ooouuu, which peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple platinum.

She remained independent rather than signing with a major label, asserting control over her artistic direction.

Albums, EPs & Later Projects

Her debut studio album, Herstory in the Making, dropped on September 27, 2019, via M.A Music and 3D.

In 2020 she released the EP Red Flu. Off the Yak.

Her discography otherwise includes EPs, mixtapes, and singles that layer emotional honesty with street narrations.

Style, Identity & Impact

Young M.A is known for her unapologetic lyrical style, emotional candor, and for blurring gendered expectations in hip-hop. She openly discusses her sexuality, mental health struggles, and personal pain — while asserting that her identity shouldn’t confine how people interpret her art.

She has little interest in using her sexuality as a label; she wants to be recognized first and foremost as “Young M.A” the artist.

Outside music, she founded the KWEENZ Foundation, named partly in honor of her brother, aiming to help families in East New York who have lost loved ones to violence — particularly mothers who carry grief.

She’s also been featured in advertising campaigns (e.g. Google Pixel 2, Beats by Dre, Pandora).

Memorable Quotes by Young M.A

Here are select quotes that reflect her voice of conviction, struggle, and self-truth:

• “I don’t fear nobody, and that’s how I live my life. I live my life with no fears.”

• “I’mma always stick to my roots, but whatever life brings, that’s what is meant.”

• “I need to just be myself, express myself.”

• “There are people who try to judge. I’m cool with that. I don’t care what nobody say — the only thing that can defeat hate is love.”

• “I don’t live in a big house. I’m not real extravagant or anything. I just like to be regular.”

• “I think that’s why I love music so much; I think if I didn’t have music, I would be in a bad position.”

• “I hear from all different people, not just people like me, or lesbians. It be straight people, it be grown men, it be grown women, people that have been sick or depressed … you made me want to go do what I want to do for myself and chase my dreams. That’s my purpose.”

• “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, it’s about learning to dance in the rain.”

These reflect both her toughness and vulnerability — the tension she lives with and the wisdom she carries.

Lessons from Young M.A

1. Authenticity is powerful. She doesn’t shy away from being honest about her identity, emotions, and struggles.

2. You can build your own lane. Rather than bending to industry norms, she stayed independent and true to her vision.

3. Use pain to inform art. Her work often reflects grief, loss, and struggle — but she channels it toward resilience.

4. Identity need not limit you. She doesn’t want labels to box her; she wants her art to speak first.

5. Community matters. With the KWEENZ Foundation, she turns personal tragedy into communal care.

6. Work ethic and consistency matter. Before fame, she grinded, self-funded, and kept pushing — that foundation helped when opportunity arrived.

7. Impact beyond music. Her voice resonates in cultural, social, and emotional domains — especially for marginalized voices.

Conclusion

Young M.A is more than a viral hit or a bold lyricist — she’s a dynamic, evolving artist wielding vulnerability, power, and integrity. Her journey from Brooklyn’s streets to chart success, her grief over loss, and her courage to be unabashedly herself all cohere into an inspiring narrative.

When people search “Young M.A quotes,” “life and career of Young M.A,” or dive into her albums, they find not just rap tracks but a real person who has fought, felt, and refused to shrink. Her legacy is still unfolding — and in many ways, she’s writing it herself.