Young MA is a talented rapper whose rise to fame has been nothing short of phenomenal. Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 3, 1992, her birth name is Katorah Marrero. She broke onto the music scene in 2014 when she went viral with her freestyle over the beat of the song, “Chiraq” by Nicki Minaj and Lil Herb. Her mixtape, “Herstory,” was released in 2017, which featured her hit single, “OOOUUU,” that has amassed over 320 million views on YouTube.
Young MA’s success in the music industry has been nothing short of astounding, given her relatively short time in the limelight. Her unique style and lyrical prowess have made her a force to be reckoned with, with her niche audience eagerly following her every move. The rapper has undoubtedly made her mark in the industry, receiving numerous awards and accolades, including BET’s Viewer’s Choice Award in 2020, BET Hip Hop Award for Best New Artist in 2017, and MTV Video Music Award for Best Visual Effects in 2017.
However, with the success that came Young MA’s way, so did the consequential demands of the music industry. The rigorous lifestyle of a celebrity with a busy schedule performing and touring can take a toll on an individual’s health, and Young MA’s case is no different. In recent years, she has seen a rapid decline in her well-being, which has raised concerns among her fans, peers, and loved ones.
In January 2020, Young MA underwent an extensive eight-hour surgery to repair a hernia. She kept her fans updated through her social media accounts, unveiling the painful details of her surgery and recovery. The surgery caused her to cancel several shows that she had planned, leaving many fans disappointed.
In March of 2020, Young MA was scheduled to perform in London, where she nearly collapsed on stage. This event was the catalyst that increasingly raised more substantial health concerns surrounding the rapper. Her manager revealed that she was suffering from severe chronic back pain, an ailment that has engulfed her for close to a decade.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Young MA shows the toll that the music industry has taken on her body. “We don’t have a gym on the tour bus, you know? We can’t eat healthy every day because we don’t have access to certain foods,” she said. “You can’t smoke weed all day every day, either. It starts to affect your energy, and you start to feel it in your body, and it affects your performance.”
Young MA’s success in the music industry has been remarkable, a testament to her hard work and dedication in crafting her unique style. However, the fast-paced lifestyle of the industry has put a significant toll on her well-being. As with all things, success often has consequences that come with it, and Young MA’s case is just one example. It is essential to take care of our health, and it’s no different for people in the entertainment industry. Hopefully, Young MA’s struggle opens a dialogue about artists’ wellness and the music industry’s demands.