Dominique Young Unique Throws It Down On Modeling, Music, And What 2015 Has In Store

Life wasn’t always easy for Dominique Young Unique. The Florida-bred rapper grew up in the projects of Tampa, a stark contrast from the whimsical escape of Fantasyland in nearby Disney World.

“You know, it was really rough and and such a struggle,” Young Unique muses. “You see a lot of people here get killed. A lot of people rob [stores] and do crazy things. Growing up in Tampa was fun, but very, very different from what I experience in my life now.”

Struggle is part of the overarching narrative for Miss Young Unique, and is deeply embedded into her musical roots. “My struggle has made be become who I am today,” she explains. And if you’re wondering who that is, look no farther than her glossy fashion spread in American Vogue.

Dominique wears a Versace Versus shirt, Antonio Berardi trousers, Casadei shoes, Pebble London rings and Freedom @ Topshop earrings

Dominique wears a Antonio Berardi coat, a Guess fur scarf, Puma trainers, Agent Provocatuer bra, Freedom @ Topshop earrings and Pebble London bangle and Joubi ring

Dominique wears a Guess dress, Marni belt, Max Mara boots, Pebble London headpiece and Martin Katz Bracelet

In 2012, at the behest of Anna Wintour, Young Unique was hand selected to appear in a Christopher Kane fashion editorial alongside now supermodel Cara Delevingne. With her almond shaped eyes, dewy skin, and lithe frame, it’s no wonder that the fashion industry has taken notice of Young Unique.

But while the artist has dabbled in modeling over the past few years, and is even signed to an agency in London, she’s keeping her eye on the prize: her music. “Modeling is fun; I love it,” she says, before adding, “but right now I’m focusing on my first album. I am so excited!”

Citing Beyonce as a role model, music became central to survival for a little girl with a hard-knock life in Central Florida. Growing up with artists like Destiny’s Child and Queen Latifah on rotation, and eternally inspired by Lil Wayne’s iconic album ‘Tha Block Is Hot,’ Young Unique has always navigated towards rap, but with an experimental, pop-minded twist.

Aurally, Dominique Young Unique’s music is an electrified mix of rap, electro, hip-hop, trap, and pop, hyper-charged by an unrelenting feminine flow. “I love all kinds of music,” she explains. “I don’t want to just stay on one thing. I want to try all kinds of different sounds, I think. It’s pretty cool though. I really like to challenge myself, and to be challenged.”

Admiring other women rappers like Lil Kim and Missy Elliot (“They flow game is amazing.”), as well as Nicki Minaj (“Her personality is crazy!”), the emerging artist is primed for rap royalty in her own right. And while the rap crew has always been a bit of a boys’ club, as well as the music biz in general, Young Unique isn’t deterred by that side of the industry, stating decidedly, “I just do my thing.”

Dominique wears a House of Holland coat and shoes, Jimmy Choo bag, a Eres bra and Pebble London necklace, bracelet and rings.

Dominique wears a House of Holland Tshirt & bag, Pebble London large necklace, Freedom @ Topshop earrings, bangles and small necklace and Moo Eyewear sunglasses

After all, she’s had her fair share of challenges for a young woman, and pushing forward has never been an issue. “I just think positive and do positive things, and most of the time I look back at my struggle and say, ‘I’m never going through that again.’ I always keep faith in myself. I can never fail.”

It makes sense that the idea of failure doesn’t compute for the 23 year old artist who has worked with Diplo and Le Youth, has toured with Example, and who has performed at Electric Daisy Carnival. With a slew of successful mixtapes and collaborations under her belt, domination is imminent.

This domination is most obvious on her latest single, “Throw It Down,” a frantic fireball of a track which finds Young Unique spitting verses a mile a minute over an aggressive, floor-shaking bassline. The fresh, frenzied Benga-crafted production is primed for the club, while the femcee’s razor-sharp flow recalls that of 90’s era Missy Elliot.

Of concocting the addictive, booming track, the rapstress recalls, “Me, DJ Fresh, and Benga was all in the studio together. They was writing the beat together. I was going alone writing all my lyrics down, and it just became a great song! I like to have fun with my music, and I want the people to [have fun] also.”

Currently in the studio laying down her debut album, 2015 is looking bright and exciting for Young Unique. “It’s looking great. I’m so excited for this project. It’s very different and will have new sounds [for me]. 2015 is going to be a big ride,” she claims, adding with a wink, “I have some very big surprises!”

Dominique wears a Versace Versus shirt, Puma trainers, Mink Pink shorts, Freedom @ Topshop earrings and bangles and Pebble London ring

Dominique wears a Lulu & Co jumper, House of Holland skirt, Casadei shoes, Avenue 32 fur scarf, Freedom @ Topshop earrings and Pebble London bracelet and ring

Interview by Erica Russell
Photography: Zoe McConnell
Styling: Ozzy Shah @Lovely MGT
Hair: Darren Hau @Lovely MGT
Make-up: Yin Lee @Era MGT
Make-up Assistent: Lorin Mamo
Styling Assistent: Damien Corbett
Lighting Assistent: Carissa Harrod
Dominique Young Unique @Milk MGT
Location Holborn Studios, London – Thanks to Calvin @Milk MGT

Dominique on the net: WEB  FACEBOOK  INSTAGRAM  SOUNDCLOUD  TWITTER