DRILL/RAP GROUP, ONEFOUR MEMBER YP ORDAINED AS CHRISTIAN PRIEST AMID LEGAL BATTLES
YP of ONEFOUR (Photo: Jason Denison)
In a surprising turn of events, Pio 'YP' Misa, a prominent member of the Australian drill and rap group ONEFOUR, has reportedly been ordained as a Christian priest. This development comes amidst a series of legal challenges faced by the artist in recent times.
The news was initially shared by Take Flight, a media outlet, citing a Facebook post by YP's father, Sifoua Tauasa Misa. In the heartfelt post, YP's father reflected on his son's tumultuous journey, acknowledging the hurdles and setbacks faced along the way. He expressed pride in YP's decision to return to the church, culminating in his ordainment as a priest and his first service presiding over the sacrament. The elder Misa's post resonated with many, underscoring the theme of redemption and personal growth.
YP's path towards priesthood follows a period marked by legal troubles. Last year, he found himself entangled in a legal battle stemming from his involvement in a brawl in northwestern Sydney. The incident led to charges of assault, property damage, and affray. Subsequently, YP signaled his intention to distance himself from ONEFOUR, citing a conflict between his newfound Christian beliefs and the themes present in the group's music.
Indeed, YP's departure from ONEFOUR signifies a significant shift in direction for the group. ONEFOUR, known for their gritty, drill-inspired sound, emerged as pioneers of the genre in Australia. Hailing from the Western Sydney suburb of Mount Druitt, the group quickly garnered attention with a string of viral singles in 2019. Comprising five core members - J Emz, Spenny, YP, Lekks, and Celly - ONEFOUR captured the essence of their upbringing in Mount Druitt through their music.
Their debut album, "Against All Odds," released in November 2020, made waves, peaking at #7 on the ARIA Charts in Australia and #8 in New Zealand. The success of the album solidified ONEFOUR's position as frontrunners in the Australian hip-hop scene.
The roots of ONEFOUR trace back to the streets of Mount Druitt, a suburb characterized by its socio-economic challenges. The group members, who grew up in the area, share a bond forged through their upbringing in the local community and their affiliation with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Despite their rising prominence in the music industry, the members still identify strongly with their Mormon faith and Samoan heritage.
The name "ONEFOUR" holds significance for the group, with reports suggesting its origins in a local street gang, NF14. However, the members maintain that it symbolizes the year 2014, marking the genesis of their journey as a hip-hop collective.
Central to ONEFOUR's narrative is their rivalry with 21District, a group hailing from Parramatta. This rivalry, rooted in a broader conflict between the Greater West and Inner West suburbs of Sydney, finds expression in the group's lyrics, reflecting the realities of urban life and gang culture.
Despite the challenges faced by ONEFOUR, including recent departures and legal controversies, their impact on the Australian music scene remains undeniable. As they navigate through turbulent waters, the group's evolution continues to captivate audiences, serving as a testament to the power of resilience and reinvention.