From the pulsating heart of the Dominican Republic, Yailin has emerged as a global sensation, captivating audiences with her infectious energy and boundary-pushing music. Growing up in Los Mina, she was immersed in a vibrant musical culture that ignited her passion for performing. Her unique blend of dembow, reggaeton, and pop has taken the Latin music world by storm, earning her recognition as one of the most exciting new artists of her generation.
In this exclusive interview, Yailin shares her inspiring journey, from her early days to her meteoric rise to fame. We delve into her creative process, explore her iconic fashion sense, and discuss her vision for the future of Latin music.
2 Piece Set: Cultnaked
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Yailin, can you take us back to the beginning of your music journey? How did your upbringing in the Dominican Republic shape your sound and influence your decision to pursue a music career?
Thank you for that question. Growing up in the Dominican Republic was everything for me and my music. I grew up in Los Mina, which is home to a lot of sounds and urban artists. It’s a place full of life, rhythm, and stories, and that environment shaped who I am as an artist. I was surrounded by a culture where music is in the air—from the sounds of dembow, reggaeton, bachata, and merengue playing on every street corner to the spontaneous celebrations that happen in the heart of our communities.
My upbringing was filled with energy and resilience. I watched people in my neighborhood express themselves through music and dance, even in the toughest times. That taught me that music is not just entertainment; it’s a way to tell stories, share struggles, and celebrate life. I wanted to be part of that, to give a voice to my experiences and to represent where I come from. My sound is a blend of the genres that surrounded me growing up, fused with my personal style. Pursuing a music career was natural for me—it was like I was continuing the stories I had been a part of since childhood.
What was the turning point in your career that propelled you to the forefront of the Latin music scene, and how did you navigate that transition?
The turning point in my career came when I released Quien Me Atraca Ami featuring Haraka Kiko. That release gained attention not just in the Dominican Republic, but throughout the Latin music world. Navigating that transition was both exciting and challenging. I had to balance staying true to my roots while adapting to a larger audience. It meant pushing myself creatively and embracing the opportunities that came my way without losing sight of who I am and where I came from.
You’ve been slaying fashion game the Latin Billboard Awards. Can you share what this best dressed recognition means to you personally and professionally and what fashion moments can we expect next?
Being recognized as one of the best dressed at the Latin Billboard Awards is incredibly meaningful to me, both personally and professionally. Fashion is a powerful form of self-expression, and through my style choices, I aim to reflect my personality, heritage, and the evolution of my artistry. This recognition affirms that my efforts to blend music and fashion resonate with audiences and the industry alike.
Professionally, it enhances my brand and opens up new opportunities for collaborations within the fashion world. It allows me to connect with designers and creatives who share my vision, further enriching my artistic journey. Looking ahead, fans can expect more bold and innovative fashion moments. I plan to experiment with different styles and incorporate elements that pay homage to my Dominican roots while embracing contemporary trends. My goal is to continue pushing boundaries and inspiring others to express themselves authentically through fashion. Catch at Fashion Week 2025!
Dress: I am Gia Butterfly Necklace: Ohtnyc
Your music is described as vibrant and unique. How do you define your sound, and what elements do you believe make it stand out in the industry and how do you plan to bring Dem Bow to forefront
My music is often described as vibrant and unique, and I would define my sound as a fusion of traditional Dominican rhythms with modern, global musical influences. What makes it stand out is its raw energy and authenticity—I weave in elements of dembow, funk, guaracha, reggaeton, and tropical beats, creating an experience that resonates with both my roots and contemporary listeners. It’s this blend that sets my music apart, as I aim to honor the sounds of my upbringing while pushing them into new, unexpected spaces. I don’t want to be siloed into one specific genre, I want fans all over the world to hear my music and be able to relate to it.
When creating original lyrics, such as in your new song “Bimbom,” what is your creative process like? Where do you draw inspiration from?
When creating original lyrics, such as in your new song “Bing Bong,” my creative process is all about tapping into real-life emotions and moments. I start by finding a beat or rhythm that speaks to me, something that immediately evokes a feeling or a memory. From there, I let the music guide me. Sometimes I draw inspiration from personal experiences, stories from my upbringing, or the energy of my community. Other times, I imagine scenes or feelings I want to convey and let that vision shape the lyrics.
I believe authenticity is key, so I try to write in a way that captures raw emotion—whether it’s joy, love, or struggle. The lyrics come together piece by piece, and I refine them until they feel true to my voice and message. Collaborating with other songwriters or producers can also add new layers to the creative process, pushing me to explore different angles and sounds.
Dress: I am Gia Butterfly Necklace: Ohtnyc
How does your Dominican heritage influence your music and artistic expression?
My Dominican heritage is at the core of my music and artistic expression. It influences everything from the rhythms I use to the stories I tell. The Dominican Republic has a rich musical legacy, and growing up immersed in it gave me a deep respect for diverse sounds and cultural storytelling. The beats of dembow, bachata, and merengue are not just sounds—they’re pieces of home that I bring into my music to keep my roots alive.
I also draw inspiration from the vibrant energy of my people, their resilience, and their joy, which I infuse into my songs and performances. It’s important for me to showcase where I come from and create a bridge for listeners to understand and appreciate my heritage. Whether through lyrics that echo Dominican slang and references or collaborations with artists who share similar backgrounds, I aim to highlight my culture in everything I do.
What do you love most about DR?
The people and the food. Now that I’ve been traveling more often, I have a bigger appreciation for my country and the joy our people bring and definitely the food! When I tavel I miss my arroz con habichuelas y pollo frito!
How has becoming a mother impacted your music career and personal life? Do you find that it influences your music and the messages you want to convey?
Becoming a mother has had a profound impact on my music career and personal life. It has given me a new perspective on everything I do. Motherhood has brought out deeper emotions and a stronger sense of purpose in me, and that naturally influences the music I create. Now, when I write or perform, I think about the legacy I want to leave not just for my fans, but for my babygirl Catta. She has motivated me to be even more authentic and bold in my storytelling, to set an example of resilience and passion and also being a single young mother.
Your style is described as bold and influential. How do you approach fashion, and in what ways do you think it complements your music career?
I approach fashion as an extension of my artistry—it’s a way for me to visually express the energy and stories I tell in my music. I see fashion as a powerful tool to make statements and connect with my audience on another level. Every outfit I wear is chosen to reflect my personality, confidence, and my liberalism. I’m fearless so you’ll definitely see me wearing fearless outfits.
As one of the fastest-growing new female artists, what challenges have you faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
I have faced a variety of challenges in the music industry, from breaking into an industry dominated by established names to navigating the pressure of people either really loving me or people that really dislike me for no reason. I’ve had to learn to separate the social media and the bullying that happens on that platform, I think that’s been one of the biggest challenges that I’ve experienced.
I started making music at an early age, and its no secret that I was in two high-profile relationships – I experienced a lot of negativity and bullying coming out of those relationships.I’ve had to work hard to carve out my own space and gain recognition not just for being a female artist and anything related to my past, but for my unique sound, style, and message.
To overcome these challenges, I relied on resilience, staying true to my self, and surrounding myself with a team that believes in my vision. The support of my fans “THE CHIVIRIKAS”, I have the most amazing fan base! I’m super thankful for my extended family – the fans. These experiences nonetheless have taught me to embrace growth and trust that my authentic voice will resonate, even in an industry that’s constantly evolving.
Dress: Erik Barshai Pearls: Ohtnyc
How do you see your role in leading the charge for the next generation of Latin superstars? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I see my role as being a bridge between tradition and modernity and liberalism. I represent the new generation of music. I want to inspire and empower the next generation of Latin artists and WOMEN to embrace their roots, be unafraid to be authentically themselves and to be fearless when exploring new sounds and styles.
My journey is proof that staying true to your identity and evolving with confidence can create a path for others to follow. The legacy I hope to leave behind is one of resilience, authenticity, and cultural pride. I want people to remember me as an artist who not only brought dembow and Dominican music to international stages but also as someone who championed diversity and authenticity in the industry.
I want people to remember me as the girl that paved her own path despite all the tribulations that came my way. Ultimately, I want people to remember my music and find inspiration to dream big, stay true to themselves and know that they can too make an impact while honoring themselves.
Can you talk about any memorable collaborations you’ve had and how they have contributed to your growth as an artist?
I’ve been fortunate to work with some incredibly talented artists who have pushed me to expand my creative horizons. One of the most memorable collaborations was with Randy! Randy is such a legacy artist in the Latin urban scene and recording with him taught me so much about blending different styles. Randy has been making hits since I was a little girl, seeing myself making music with him is a dream come true. His sound and my sound made a popping perreo LOL.
Who are your SHEROES and what is some of the best advice you have gotten
My SHEROES include powerful women like my grandma who raised me may she RIP, the sheroes in my music team (Kim, Dessi, Michelle) and my personal friends Kika and Anabelle, ANA GABRIEL LOL. They inspire me with their resilience, passion, and trailblazing spirit. One of the best pieces of advice I have received is to always stay grounded and remember why I started in the first place. It’s easy to get caught up in the noise of the industry, but staying connected to my purpose and roots has helped me navigate challenges and continue creating meaningful music.
With over 500 million streams in the past year, what do you think resonates most with your listeners, and how do you plan to continue engaging with your audience?
I believe what resonates most with my listeners is the authenticity and energy I bring to my music. They connect with the raw emotions, relatable stories, and vibrant beats that reflect real life and my Dominican roots. My audience appreciates the mix of tradition and modernity in my sound, and they feel the passion I put into each song.
2 Piece Set: Cultnaked
What can fans expect next from you? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?
2025 is going to be a pivotal year for me. I plan on releasing an EP and my first album. My team is also working hard on the logistics of launching my first makeup and fragrance line! I’m planning my global tour to connect with audiences worldwide, bringing the energy and essence of my music directly to the fans.
I have amazing merchandise being worked on for 2025 as well! I have MAJOR collaborations on the way both in Latin and the general market. I want to hug my fans and hear how my music inspires them. Stay tuned for announcements regarding dates and locations. These projects represent my commitment to delivering authentic and dynamic music experiences, and I can’t wait to share them with the world.
How is your creativity disrupting the dembow space of music
My creativity is disrupting many musical spaces, I’m in a stage in my career and personal life where I’m pushing boundaries. I draw from various musical influences such as reggaeton, Latin trap, and even global genres, blending them seamlessly with traditional dembow beats to create a unique and modern sound. I also make sure that my lyrics tell stories that resonate deeply with my listeners, bringing both energy and meaning.
What is your go to beauty item
My Tarte lip gloss and Makeup by Mario foundation!
How does your hair color reflect your mood and or era?
My hair color is a reflection of my mood and the era I’m embracing in my life and career. Each shade and style represents a phase of personal growth, creativity, or transformation. When I go for brown to pink to green to blonde – these colors signify a period of high energy, confidence, and excitement in my music and personal journey.
On the other hand, more natural or subtle tones often symbolize moments of introspection, grounding, or a shift in artistic direction. My hair becomes an outward expression of where I am mentally and creatively—it’s an integral part of how I connect with my audience and showcase my evolving identity.
Dress: Erik Barshai Pearls: Ohtnyc
Which song of yours is your favorite and why?
My favorite song changes as I grow and evolve as an artist, but one that holds a special place in my heart is “Me Encantas” and “MIA” – these are songs that I wrote for my baby Cattaleya. There’s no better feeling or emotion that this song represents a significant milestone in my career because it embodies my journey and the resilience I’ve shown to get here.
The lyrics capture personal stories and emotions that resonate deeply with me, and the production showcases the fusion of my Dominican roots with modern influences. It’s a song that not only connects with my fans but also reminds me of why I started making music—to share my truth and inspire others through it.
Give a shout out to your favorite musician’s from DR?
Soy mas fan de música que de artistas, pero le mando un beso a la mia La Mas Doll!
What is your song writing philosophy:
My philosophy when writing songs is simple: I always speak from the heart and about what I’m living in the moment. I like to keep it real, bring my essence, and make people feel the energy and attitude I carry. My lyrics are about empowerment, making people feel strong, sexy, and unafraid to be themselves. If it doesn’t make you move your body or feel something deep, then I’m not doing it right. That’s my vibe!
Looking back on your journey so far, what advice would you give to young aspiring artists, especially those from the Dominican Republic, who dream of making it in the music industry?
My advice to young artists, especially those from my beautiful Dominican Republic, is to never stop believing in yourself. The journey isn’t easy, but if you stay focused and work hard, anything is possible. Surround yourself with people who support your vision, learn from every experience, and don’t let fear or criticism stop you. Represent where you come from with pride, stay true to your essence, and remember that no dream is too big. If I can make it, so can you—pa’lante siempre y con frente en alto.
2 Piece Set: Cultnaked
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
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