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Artist Spotlight 2nd Edition: Yannii
Uncover the rising star disrupting music's boundaries 🎵✨
Blacknalt
April 12, 2025
Blacknalt Artist Spotlight 2nd Edition: Yannii
Introduction
In a world where blending in is the norm, a bold few dare to stand out, disrupt expectations, and carve their own paths. Welcome to Blacknalt’s ARTIST SPOTLIGHT—a platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of rising BIPOC musicians who are reshaping the alternative music landscape.
Music has never been one-size-fits-all, and neither are the artists we highlight. While we embrace the alternative spirit, our spotlight isn’t confined to a single genre. From the electrifying riffs of rock to the hypnotic beats of K-pop, the soul-stirring melodies of R&B, the raw emotion of indie, and everything in between, we celebrate the innovators, the rule-breakers, and the storytellers who challenge the status quo.
This series is more than just a showcase—it’s a movement. It’s about recognizing the cultural depth, artistry, and resilience of BIPOC musicians who are pushing sonic boundaries and bringing fresh perspectives to the music industry. Each feature dives deep into their creative journeys, struggles, triumphs, and the influences that shape their sound.
So, whether you’re looking for your next favorite artist or simply love discovering music that defies expectations, Blacknalt’s ARTIST SPOTLIGHT is your front-row seat to the future of sound. Stay tuned, because these artists aren’t just making music—they’re making history.
Listen to the artist spotlight playlist here:
This is Yannii
What first inspired you to start making music?
I come from a musical family. My dad and brother rap and we've been doing music locally since we were kids. Although, with the frustrations of being an artist, I gave up singing for a while. Thanks to COVID and TikTok I started gaining the confidence to return to music about 4 years ago.
How would you describe your sound in three words?
Refreshing, bright, immersive
What’s a dream collaboration for you?
Willow Smith
My name is Treanna (trey-awn-uh) and my Auntie nicknamed me yanni when I was a toddler. When I began to use it as a stage name I added the extra "I" hoping to make it stand out without changing it too much lol
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style?
I narrow it down to two. H.E.R. was the first artist in a long time that I heard sing in my same register (second alto/alto). Nothing feels better than to sing along with the music and actually sound decent lol the representation is necessary. For my second I go back to India Arie. Her light and airy singing patterns I tend to mimic, but she also had a smooth way of getting you to understand the message she is trying to pass along and I admire that.
Was there a specific moment when you knew you wanted to pursue music seriously?
As the only singer at the time, trying to figure out my sound was frustrating which was why I gave up music in the first place. I wasn't educated enough to put into words what I wanted it to sound like and I didn't want to keep fighting about it. Once I started to come back around, I was introduced to this dope recording studio called Hiveminded. Recording there was the first time I really felt I HEARD myself. The people that I met there showed me some opportunities to make something for me. To really be my own artist, then the ambition inside took off after that.
What’s something you wish more people understood about being an up-and-coming artist?
WE DO NOT DO THIS FOR THE MONEY! The odds of this taking care of us forever are low. Most (not all) independent artists are just trying to connect with themselves in a way that may be relatable to other people. Now if the message is widely received that's a huge bonus, but the therapy that comes with expressing yourself creatively is just as rewarding.
What message or impact do you hope to leave with your music?
Take care of yourself. You are a light in other people's worlds but you are a light in yours first. Doing better within yourself can help others look inward too.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects or releases?
My first album Spaxiiety (space-zie-etty) releases March 24th on all platforms😁 don't forget the double "I". I'm excited to see what happens next tho cuz trust and believe you'll hear from me again.
Conclusion
Beyond their undeniable talent, Yannii’s journey is a testament to resilience. Setbacks are inevitable in any creative pursuit, but Yannii has proven that every challenge is an opportunity to rise even stronger. Their ability to push forward, refine their craft, and come back better than before is what sets them apart—not just as an artist, but as an inspiration.
This is just the beginning for Yannii, and if their music has already found a permanent home in our headphones, we can only imagine the impact they’ll continue to make. One thing’s for sure—this is an artist you’ll want to keep your ears on.
Follow Yannii on all Platforms
That’s a wrap for this edition!
Thank you for joining us in another issue of Blacknalt. We hope the stories, insights, and perspectives we’ve shared today have inspired, informed, and entertained you. As always, we’re committed to bringing you the latest and greatest from the alternative spaces where people of color are making waves.
Until next time, keep supporting, keep creating, and keep shining in your own unique way. We’ll be back soon with more stories that need to be told.
Stay weird, stay real, and as always—stay Blacknalt.
With love and respect,
The Blacknalt Team