YNG Martyr has released a new single “Milkshakes”, a slick, high-energy flip of Kelis’ cult classic that bridges Y2K nostalgia and new-wave trap energy.
Inspired in a flash of cosmic timing during a late-night snack run in LA, “Milkshakes” fuses YNG’s razor-sharp, unapologetic flow with the raw, hyper-charged energy of the original track, bringing a fresh and ferocious new edge to a cultural staple. The result is a track that feels both nostalgic and boldly future-facing; a statement from an artist rewriting the rules in real time.
“Me and my producer Tate had been in the studio for hours trying to flip a nostalgic childhood hit into something gritty with Detroit drums,” YNG Martyr shared.
“Nothing was hitting, so we took a break and walked to 7-Eleven in LA. As soon as the doors opened, ‘Milkshake’ by Kelis started playing. We just looked at each other like, ‘Yeah, that’s the one.’ The whole song from there was basically a freestyle – just me locking in and letting it all spill out. That’s what makes ‘Milkshakes’ feel so raw.”
Hailing from Townsville, YNG Martyr built his movement from the ground up — carving out a global presence in rap long before his hometown even had a scene to support it.
With early inspiration from deep-cut SoundCloud and Bandcamp artists, his sonic DNA blends jerk, rage, and new-wave experimental rap with the storytelling pedigree of Mac Miller and Earl Sweatshirt.
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“I realised early on I wouldn’t make a dent locally, so I built my fanbase overseas in the US and Europe. Mac and Earl set the bar for me lyrically – those are big shoes to fill. Good thing I’m a size 14.”
His global footprint is undeniable — from touring across the UK, Europe, and US and sharing stages with Iann Dior and DC the Don, to appearances at Spilt Milk, Falls Festival, and SXSW. His influence has also crossed into pop culture and sports, penning “Still Humble” for WWE champion Logan Paul, now one of the most recognisable theme songs in wrestling.
From underground buzz to global takeover, his music speaks for itself from “Nike Ticks” storming past 90 million streams, to “BURR” lighting up TikTok with 265k creations, and even “GLEAMING”, which has been making noise worldwide for its slick production and emotional punch.
YNG Martyr’s “Milkshakes” is out now.
