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The rejuvenation of hip hop has begun and the future has arrived with San Diego's energizing producer/rap artist Young Mass. Born Derrick Stanton, Mass moved with his family from Chicago to the San Diego area over a decade ago. Since then he has worked diligently to establish his production, writing and rapping skills – elevating his game to a level on par with today's hottest stars.

In 2003, at the age of 16, Mass met Digital Underground front man Shock G, who recognized Mass' talent and potential at “Gutfest”, an annual barbecue in San Diego’s Mission Bay Park hosted by his brother-in-law’s Digital Underground fan club “Da Noses” (which refers to Shock G’s plastic-nosed alter-ego, Humpty-Hump). Shock G heard Mass' demo tape during the event and invited Mass to join the group on-stage later that night for a three song set. For the next five years, Young Mass was introduced at Digital Underground's shows as their newest member. Shortly before Mass turned 18 he left home, and moved into Digital Underground’s Los Angles recording studio to continue his tutelage under Shock G.

Shock G showcased Mass' talent by immediately adding him to "Cherry Flava'd E-Mail", on Shock's solo album, "Fear of a Mixed Planet". Since that time, Mass has continued to showcase his skills by producing eleven tracks for Money B, and Cleetis Mack's "Sex and the Studio" XXX DVD/CD series. The hit single, "Drank-A-Lot", was a fan favorite on BET's late night adult-oriented video show "Uncut". In 2007, Money B released a mixtape titled "Mandatory, Volume One". Young Mass is featured on two tracks and produced an additional four – including the Bay area hit single "Solid". After Mass’ five nurturing years of tour dates, recording, and learning the music business as a member of Digital Underground, front man Shock G announced that the group would officially disband in March 2008. Shortly after that announcement was made, the group also confirmed that there 2008 album "..Cuz A d.u. Party Don’t Stop!!" Would be there last studio effort. Mass produced, and performed on the albums lead single “Blue Skyy”.

After DU’s disbandment Mass found himself back in San Diego with an extensive catalog of music. With brother-in-law 40ozChris, Young Mass formed the entertainment company/music label Massterpiece Entertainment. The labels first venture would be Mass’ self-titled debut, released early in 2008. Mass included several guest apperances from the DU family on the album including Shock G, Money B, Yukmouth, 2 Fly Eli, Clev MC, and Metaphysical. The disk earned Mass a 2008 San Diego Music Award nomination for Hip-Hop album of the year. Mass also jumped into club/concert promotion with a goal of unifying the San Diego Hip-Hop scene, which Mass felt was to heavily divided between the Latin, Gangster, and Underground Hip-Hop groups in the area. In December 2008 Mass triumphantly finished off the year by successfully bringing his fellow San Diego Music Award Hip-Hop nominees, from multiple Hip-Hop backgrounds together for a show at San Diego’s historic music venue, The Casbah.

Young Mass has been quietly earning respect from artists and fans throughout southern California. As a protégé of Digital Underground, Young Mass has enhanced his skills and developed the stage experience necessary to amplify a live crowd. As a solo artist, Young Mass has the talent to elevate hip-hop to another level.