In this episode of Youngest in The Yacht Club, host Vince Serrano sits down with Tampa legend Aych, a rapper, promoter, and founder of the Loud on 7th Festival. From his roots in Wilmington, Delaware to becoming a pillar of Tampa’s music scene, Aych breaks down his journey, his philosophy on opportunities, and his vision for the culture.
Get the raw truth on navigating music, building community, and creating platforms that change lives.
00:00 – Intro: Meet Aych, Tampa legend & community builder
00:42 – Who is Aych? Providing opportunities through music & promotion
01:04 – Growing up in Wilmington, Delaware: basketball, hip-hop & grit
02:06 – Philly influence, blue-collar grind & life lessons
03:31 – Transitioning from Wilmington to Tampa
04:15 – Inspired by Rakim & early love for freestyling
05:02 – From freestyle battles to 106 & Park
05:40 – Becoming a promoter & creating Tampa’s biggest open mic
06:35 – From hosting parties to dominating the Tampa club scene
07:13 – Atlanta trips & the idea that sparked Loud on 7th
08:10 – Building Loud on 7th Festival & launching a hat company
09:12 – Rappers becoming moguls: Tupac, Ice Cube & legacy thinking
10:31 – Life after sports & branching out like a tree
11:08 – Dedication, discipline & Kobe Bryant’s work ethic
12:18 – Reflecting on growth & documenting the journey
13:19 – Creatives, family, and the non-stop hustle
14:24 – Discord, gaming, & generational differences
16:19 – Human interaction vs. social media
17:18 – Tampa’s evolving hip-hop scene since 2007
20:11 – From party rap to lyricism & battle rap culture
21:28 – Do Tampa artists get proper recognition?
22:18 – The rise of Rod Wave & Tampa Bay’s musical divide
23:42 – Tampa’s hidden music industry legends (Justice League, Beyoncé collabs & more)
24:54 – Why unity across Tampa, St. Pete & Clearwater is key
26:10 – Building Loud on 7th with Buckwheat & community vision
28:16 – Growing the festival to SXSW-level impact
30:10 – Opportunities for Tampa artists & industry networking
31:32 – Corporate sponsors & festival growth (D’Usse, Grey Goose, Bacardi)
32:55 – Lessons from South by Southwest & global artist reach
34:19 – Networking & why relationships matter in music
35:35 – Tampa’s DJ scene controversy & Mount Rushmore picks
37:09 – Honoring Tampa’s DJ legends & new generation influences
41:25 – Jordan vs. LeBron vs. Kobe: who’s the GOAT?
45:08 – LeBron’s legacy on & off the court
47:00 – What’s next for Aych & Loud on 7th Festival
48:14 – Closing thoughts: giving flowers, creating opportunities & staying true
🔥 If you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or fan of hip-hop culture, this episode is a masterclass in vision, hustle, and impact.
👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe for more inspiring conversations on Youngest in The Yacht Club.
Instagram: @aych302
Festival: loudon7th.com
#YoungestInTheYachtClub #Aych #LoudOn7th #TampaHipHop #VinceSerrano #TampaMusicScene #MusicPodcast #HipHopCulture #IndependentArtists #FloridaHipHop #FestivalLife #MusicNetworking #RappersToMoguls #HipHopCommunity #TampaBayMusic
⏱️ Episode Timestamps📌 Connect with Aych
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