Murphy Holmes II (ymtk) was raised in east Oakland, CA. Perhaps it was his mother’s gospel singing prowess that eventually led him to music, but despite Young Murph’s inherent gift for song, it was basketball that first inspired him and earned the second part of his name, “the kidd” – homage to fellow Oakland product, Jason Kidd.
Basketball led ymtk to the University of Santa Cruz, where after an ankle injury, he began honing his musical craft alongside two students who went on to create the RCA signed pop band, 2AM Club (Tyler Cordy & Marc E Bassy). With them, he aggressively developed his musical talents – writing, playing shows and testing the limits of his abilities as both a singer and a rapper. When ymtk moved to Los Angeles to pursue music full time after graduation, what began as a creative outlet proved to fully represent his professional potential.
ymtk’s professional career began as a songwriter in Los Angeles, but he has also made an impact as a solo artist as well. His live performances alone captivate fans and industry insiders alike. Indisputable talent and a great rapport with rising stars pads ymtk’s impressive resume of collaborations with some of the most popular artists coming out of California & across the country — Nic Nac, Marc E. Bassy, Too $hort, P-Lo, Buddy, GLC, Nef The Pharaoh, Rexx Life Raj, Ryan Hemsworth, IAMSU!, Guapdad 4000, and Jay Ant just to name a few. Song writing credits include Dinah Jane (5th Harmony) Sean Kingston,Yo Gotti, Prince Royce, Kid Ink, NCT 17, Casey Veggies, Bobby Brackins, Jess Connelly, Rainy Milo, Symphani Soto, & Marteen (co-wrote the EP “No Thank You” project platinum in Korea).
With cosigns from legends like L.A. Reid & JR Rotem, placements on prime time programming on channels like MTV & VH1, and accolades from Noisey, Hypebeast, Fader and more, ymtk has independently accumulated millions of plays/views on the internet that has assisted in a growing fanbase in all the right places.