Born and raised in Broward County, Florida, YENA grew up surrounded by music. His father ran a studio out of his bedroom, constantly filled with artists and family who created and inspired, while his mother came from a lineage of live musicians and singers. At just 11 years old, YENA’s mother wrote and recorded his first song—an experience that, though harsh and demanding, planted the seed for his lifelong relationship with music.
For a time, he stepped away from music and poured his creativity into writing books and novels. But at 13, he rediscovered his passion through ghostwriting. With his father leading a collective of artists, YENA quietly began crafting songs for others in the group—often for female performers—without anyone knowing the true source. “It was fun to see him jam songs he had no idea I wrote,” YENA recalls. “I loved being the chameleon of the family.”
Originally performing under the name Giggler as an R&B singer, YENA wasn’t drawn to rap until hearing Field Mob for the first time, and later being inspired by the legendary Busta Rhymes. From then on, his pen sharpened and his delivery grew bolder. Even as the youngest in his group, he prided himself on independence—locking himself in the studio to write alone, determined to carve out his own voice.
Life shifted when his father suffered a stroke. With the family’s dream of music hanging in the balance, YENA stepped up and carried the torch. No longer in the shadows, he took center stage, moving his music from small clubs to major festivals in a matter of months.
But the rise wasn’t easy. Conflicts around his sexuality strained family ties, and with his mother’s loyalty tied to his father, he found himself without the support he once knew at home. Still, YENA turned that pain into fuel, rebranding himself with a new stage name—YENA, short for HYENA, symbolizing survival, adaptability, and strength.
Since then, YENA has risen into his own, performing and earning recognition across five states. His breakout moment came in Arizona (2022) when he won “Best Rap Song” for his deeply personal single “Lemme Tell Yah.” With 26 rap competition wins, 2 R&B victories, 1 dancehall award, and a songwriter honor under his belt, YENA has proven himself as a versatile force in music.
Today, YENA stands as more than just an artist—he’s the voice of his pack, a leader of the HYENAS, his loyal supporters and community. His music reflects his journey: from ghostwriter in the shadows to an unapologetic presence in the spotlight, carrying the legacy of hip-hop and pushing it forward with authenticity and fire.
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Born and raised in Broward County, Florida, YENA grew up surrounded by music. His father ran a studio out of his bedroom, constantly filled with artists and family who created and inspired, while his mother came from a lineage of live musicians and singers.
