Today we’d like to introduce you to Young Blaze.
Young, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Maurice “YoungBlaze” Clopton is a Chicago filmmaker, director, producer, editor, rapper, and
music producer/Composer whose work blends independent determination with high-end
cinematic ambition. As the creator of the anthology film series universe Welcome to
Chicallywood, IL , framed by the chilling tagline “Where dreams audition, but nightmares land
the role” , he writes, directs, films, edits, scores, and color-grades every chapter himself, crafting
stories known for psychological tension, surreal twists, and a signature Chicago pulse.
YoungBlaze’s music career stands on its own. He holds a RIAA Gold plaque for “That Girl Ain’t
Cute,” while his breakout records “F This Shit I’m Out” and “I Get Sex” have earned millions
of streams and widespread viral traction. His high-speed freestyle , 344 words in one minute,
became a global moment leading to international tours across Copenhagen (Denmark),
Bahrain, Oman, Dubai, and more. His artistry extends into two albums, Memories of the
Future and Darker Days, Brighter Nights, both showcasing the emotional and sonic range
that defines his musical identity.
Through A YoungBlaze Event LLC and A YoungBlaze Production, he produces premieres,
showcases, and the Acting Chicallywood podcast, which highlights Midwest film talent and
reinforces Chicago’s place in the national entertainment landscape. His live events regularly
pack out venues and bring red-carpet energy to independent filmmaking.
Recognized for his precision, discipline, and quality-obsessed approach, he has built a
reputation for transforming independent projects into cinematic experiences that feel larger than
their budgets.YoungBlaze stands as one of Chicago’s most dynamic creative entrepreneurs, a
filmmaker-musician hybrid building an ecosystem where Chicago’s talent and stories can thrive
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of my biggest obstacles has been the lack of help. When you’re building something that only exists in your imagination, it’s hard to find people who see the vision the way you do. That forced me to become a student of my own talents , not by choice, but by necessity. Because of that, I learned how to film, direct, edit, score, color-grade, produce events, and run an entire creative ecosystem by myself. What started as a challenge became the reason my work now has such a defined signature.
Another challenge has been wishing I had “two of me.” I have big ideas and limited time and resources. When you’re juggling film, music, editing, event production, and running a company, you feel that limitation every day. But instead of letting that slow me down, it made me sharper. It forced me to focus deeply on whatever task is in front of me and give everything I have to it.
I also had to learn how to be resourceful. When you don’t have a massive team or a huge budget, you start finding creative solutions most people wouldn’t think of. That mindset , turning limitations into innovation , is the backbone of my career.
Every obstacle pushed me into becoming the multi-hyphenate creator I am today. The struggles didn’t block the path; they shaped it.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m known for being a rapper and producer who built a fanbase through viral records and international performances. My music has taken me overseas to places like Denmark, Bahrain, Oman, and Dubai , all from records I created independently. I’m also a filmmaker, director, editor, composer, and event producer who builds entire worlds from scratch.
What I really specialize in is taking small ideas and turning them into major-feeling productions. Whether it’s a song, a script, a film concept, or a live event, I approach it from angles most people never consider. I don’t look at ideas as “ Is the glass half full” or “half empty.” My mindset is, “Why are we using a glass in the first place?” That’s how I create the unexpected.
I’m most proud of booking my first major shows and international tours by myself, without a manager or label. I’m proud of creating films and music videos without formal schooling, and developing productions in weeks that normally take large teams months to complete. I move like a jet ski, not a cruise ship, I can pivot fast, make creative decisions quickly, and still deliver at a high level.
I’m also proud of earning a Gold plaque for my record “That Girl Ain’t Cute,” and seeing my songs “I Get Sex” and “F This Sh*t I’m Out” go viral and rack up millions of streams.
What sets me apart is simple: I can take a project from the very beginning to the very end, writing, directing, shooting, producing, editing, scoring, marketing, and execute every step at a high level. I’m a one-man creative ecosystem, and that versatility allows me to build things exactly the way I envision them, I don’t like to think that i will be a one man band forever, but learning all of these jobs gives me the attitude to learn and respect the language of that job that way i can delegate in a professionally way to others, and build my most dynamic team.
What matters most to you?
What matters most to me is using my creativity to make a real impact, to build something that inspires people, shifts perspectives, and leaves the world better than I found it. I believe my creativity is a gift from God, and I take that seriously. Every film, every record, every event is my way of putting something positive, thought-provoking, or transformative into the world.
Legacy matters to me. Not fame , legacy. I want my work to outlive me, to motivate the next creator who doesn’t have a big team, a big budget, or traditional support. I want them to look at what I built and say, “If he did it independently, I can do it too.”
And it’s not just about success, it’s about being an example. Discipline, faith, consistency, and staying focused on something bigger than yourself… that’s what drives me. I want my body of work to stand as proof that you can create your own lane, move with purpose, and open doors for others along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.youngblazesite.com
- Instagram: @youngblaze
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/youngblazesite/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YoungBlaze
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/71g1WXmppqHwpBQtohdpRW?si=09FK1rp-QKe8FWXRnpZ5lg
Image Credits
Maurice “YoungBlaze” Clopton
