- Words Nicholas Douglas
Texas born rapper, Imyounik, is going from strength-to-strength after the release of her poignant hit single, 'City on Fire'.
A Passion for Music Since Childhood
Born Ashley Harden on August 13th, 1991, in Mesquite, Texas, Imyounik has been making music since she was just 10 years old. Her journey into music started early when a fifth-grade teacher recognised her exceptional talent, recommending that she pursue music after she scored remarkably high on a school music test. Around the same time, with the help of a family member, she began writing raps in her room – an early glimpse of the artist she would become.
From Drum Major to Hip-Hop Star
Imyounik’s love for music and performance continued through middle and high school, where she became a drum major at Carter High School in Dallas, Texas. Leading crowds and commanding the stage, she realised that her passion for music wasn’t just a hobby – it was her future. After high school, she moved to Atlanta to chase her dreams, meeting industry giants like Ludacris and 2Chainz, hoping to get her career off the ground.
But as technology evolved, so did the music industry. Imyounik realised she didn’t need to be in a major music hub to succeed – she could make it happen from anywhere. Returning to Texas, she focused on perfecting her craft, proving doubters wrong, and building a growing global fanbase.
Breaking Milestones in the Industry
- MTV/Paramount Spotlight: On May 4, 2023, Imyounik’s music video ‘Amen’ aired on MTV/Paramount during a commercial break. The video played 13 times, including a special feature on July 4th, and racked up over 1,000,000 views on VEVO.
- Charting on iTunes: On January 22, 2025, her song ‘City on Fire’—inspired by the devastating LA wildfires—charted at #22 on iTunes before jumping to #19, surpassing artists like Eminem, Jelly Roll, and Kanye West.
‘City on Fire’ – A Song with a Purpose
‘City on Fire’ is more than just a song – it’s a message. After spending time in Los Angeles filming a music video, Imyounik was devastated to see the wildfires consume homes and displace families. Determined to turn pain into power, she created ‘City on Fire’ as a way to inspire, uplift, and bring people together.
The song came to life just a week after the fires began on 7th January. As she reflected on what had happened, a melody came to her: “Who lit the city on fire?” From there, she connected with her producer, recorded the song, and released it immediately – an urgent, emotional response to a tragic moment.
A Unique Sound in Hip-Hop and Pop
Imyounik stands apart from other artists in today’s generation of rap and pop music. Her sharp delivery, clever bars, and melodic hooks create a captivating blend of energy and emotion. Her music isn’t just for one audience—it’s for everyone. Whether you’re a longtime hip-hop fan or new to the genre, her songs pull you in and keep you hooked until the very last beat.
Where to Find Imyounik’s Music
With a growing fanbase and an unshakable passion for music, Imyounik is just getting started. Her journey proves that dedication, talent, and belief in yourself can take you anywhere. And with ‘City on Fire’ making waves, she’s only heating up.