William Young didn’t listen to the doubters.
His new track, “Stoner Like Me,” is the first single on his 2025 album Man on Fire. The song has a classic hip hop sound. Young’s deep voice is reminiscent of Dr. Dre, as is the keyboard melody line anchoring the song’s hook.
Oh you a stoner like me (so cool)
Take a hit of this weed (soul food)
I'm going up for this trip
In my beautiful, my beautiful balloon
The bass is massive, a signature of producer D/R Period, known for his work for artists from 2-Pac, to Nas, to Jay-Z. The collaboration sets a high bar for the rest of the album.
“I was inspired working with a multi-platinum producer. We started with nothing but a beat and created a unique sound to present my new album to the world,” Young says.
Young is something of a renaissance man. In addition to being a rapper, he helms the record label U-Khan Entertainment. He is also the author of several books, such as Gorilla Khan and an authorized biography of PUMA.
Growing up in Brooklyn, Young lived on the same block as Masta Killa of the Wu Tang Clan. Also nearby was Blahzay Blahzay. Young says that living in such proximity to major rap stars provided both mentorship as well as cultivated his sound as a New York rapper.
His music career has grown steadily through key collaborations. These include DJ Kay Slay, Papoose, Lil Mama, Ben J of New Boyz, and more. As he says, “I’ve had a lot of hip hop royalty attached to my name.”
Young has continued the trend of collaborations on Man on Fire. Guest artists include Shamz Pachino, Kenny Clark, Pop-U, and others. Blahzay Blahzay joins Young for a high-powered version of the former’s hit song, “Danger.” The third track, “Reincarnated,” is a touching tribute to Young’s grandmother, Evelyn Gaston, and includes snippets of her voice in conversation with the artist.
Young says, “This album is my chance to showcase myself and the different styles that I’m capable of doing. Man on Fire is me saying, ‘This man is a force to the world.’”
An animated video for “Stoner Like Me” is live on the YouTube channel of U-Khan Entertainment. The video features a cartoon version of Young wearing his signature Brooklyn Nets cap, riding high in a balloon. Comments on the video describe the song as a “masterpiece” and “very catchy”; one viewer writes, “I’m about to light up to this.” Fans are encouraged to subscribe to the channel.
In the near future, Young has many projects planned. The Khan Gang will be releasing an album titled Rebel Lion. Additionally, remixes of Man on Fire tracks are forthcoming, and he is writing a new book.
For all the doubters and the haters, Young’s message is clear: “I’ve been overlooked for years, but you can’t stop greatness.”
Stream “Stoner Like Me” everywhere, and subscribe to U-Khan Entertainment on YouTube today:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Music
Instagram
Threads
iHeart
Amazon Music
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