Kiwi-born Elijah Yo is the self-made Sydney artist bringing West Coast hip-hop to the forefront.
The Māori and Polynesian musician taught himself to produce beats and shoot music videos from his bedroom. And though he’d been building a loyal following, it was his remix of “Westcoast Party,” alongside Biggs, Enzo, and Pistol Pet, that cemented his unshakeable position in Australia’s soundscape. The song highlighted the unity within Sydney’s West Coast communities, and it’s this message of pride that underpins Yo’s body of work.
Since the 2018 hit, which has more than 3 million streams on Spotify, Yo has only grown in talent, building atmospheric power into his recent work. If you’re looking for hip-hop blended with jazz-influenced beats, look no further than his 2026 EP GTFOTW, whose soulful tone embodies his unique style and allows his emotional messaging to shine through.
Beyond music, Yo has taken on directing music videos for other Sydney-based artists from his position within Western Sydney collectives YELLOWLINE and INHOUSE Studios, reinforcing his artistic vision not just in sound but visually.
As the final inductee in the Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ‘26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Yo sat down with us for an exclusive look behind the curtain to better understand what drives him and, more importantly, what’s coming up next.
Who are you and where are you from?
Elijah Yo: My name’s Elijah Yo. I’m an artist and producer from West Sydney.
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Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.
Clean, crisp, and diverse.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
J. Cole. He’s the GOAT; I couldn’t imagine wanting a feature from anyone else.
What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far on your musical journey?
Don’t listen to anyone. Especially people who’ve never done what you’re tryna do. People wanna speak negativity on your dreams ’cause they have none, but don’t let them. Stay focused on your mission, trust your gut, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
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What’s your dream venue to play?
Madison Square Garden. I feel like if you headlined the Garden, you’ve made it. IDK, we’ll see when I get there.
What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?
I’m working on my next project right now. Got a couple singles lined up to release and working on some experimental film stuff I’m doing with INHOUSE.
What’s one thing you think the Australian and New Zealand music industry needs right now, and why?
Collaboration. Everyone’s in their own circle tryna do their own thing. I miss the days I’d hear my two favourite local artists on the same track. We need more of that ASAP.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Rolling Stone and Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ‘26?
I’m honoured to be noticed for my talents. I’m just a kid from West Sydney who was making beats and recording in my bedroom, and now I’m doing shit with Rolling Stone and Mentos. CRAZY!
Why do you think it’s important to support emerging Australian artists?
Because we’re next up. America’s always been at the forefront, but in the last 10 years the UK has had just as many household names; I reckon Australia and New Zealand are next up. In the next five years, we should have some global superstars of our own.
Follow Elijah Yo’s journey through the Fresh Sounds Class of ‘26 and beyond here.
