Fargo, North Dakota, isn’t exactly known for its hip-hop scene. But for Colby Smith—better known as Yung Cuse—it’s where everything started. What began as a spontaneous studio session in a college dorm closet has turned into a career that’s seen him work alongside some of the biggest names in music. His story is all about perseverance, passion, and proving that talent can come from anywhere.
Finding His Sound
Cuse never set out to be a rapper. In fact, he hadn’t even considered it until his best friend, Dylan Berg—now the multi-platinum producer IcebergWantABag—invited him to jump on a track just for fun. That song, Left is Law, unexpectedly blew up on SoundCloud, making him a local name overnight.
“That’s when it hit me—this wasn’t just something to pass the time. This was something I needed to do,” Cuse says.
While IcebergWantABag eventually signed with Universal Music Group, their connection has remained strong. Their latest track, Can’t Put a Price on Love, is proof of that. Cuse is all about pushing boundaries—so much so that he nearly drowned filming the song’s music video in the ocean. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure my art stands out,” he says with a grin.

The Hustle of an Independent Artist
Cuse doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of being an independent artist. “Nobody supports you until they see you’ve made it,” he admits. It’s been a tough road—he’s dealt with homelessness, jobs that judged him for his tattoos, and plenty of people who doubted him.
But through it all, he’s held onto one piece of advice from his mom: If you don’t believe in yourself, nobody will. That mindset has carried him through the hardest moments and kept him focused on the bigger picture.
A Style That’s All His Own
Cuse’s music is tough to categorize, and that’s exactly how he likes it. Instead of writing his lyrics down, he punches in bar by bar, letting the music guide his emotions. “I’m a Gemini, so my music reflects all kinds of moods,” he explains.
With his unique approach, a look that’s drawn comparisons to Post Malone, and a sound that blends raw energy with deep emotion, Cuse is carving out his own lane in the industry.

Learning from the Best
Despite being early in his career, Cuse has already worked with heavyweights like Travis Scott, Doja Cat, Pharrell Williams, and even the Red Hot Chili Peppers. He even stood in for Post Malone during the making of 12 Carat Toothache.
“Every opportunity has been a learning experience,” he says. “It’s about growing, adapting, and making sure you’re always getting better.”
More Than Just Music
For Cuse, success isn’t just about streams or recognition—it’s about inspiring others. He wants his story to be proof that no matter where you come from, if you put in the work, you can make it.
“Struggles are part of the process,” he says. “But if you keep pushing, if you really believe in what you’re doing, you can get where you want to be.”
What’s Next?
Yung Cuse’s latest track, Can’t Put a Price on Love, produced by IcebergWantABag, is out now on all streaming platforms. With its heartfelt lyrics and cinematic visuals, it’s another step forward in his journey.
From a college dorm to the industry’s biggest stages, Yung Cuse is proving that passion and persistence can take you anywhere. And if his track record is any indication, he’s just getting started.