Yung Holyfield Is Literally the G.O.A.T. — We Are the Company We Keep

By Rocki Patrice

Michael Holyfield Jr., known professionally as Yung Holyfield, is a rapper and songwriter. Born in Atlanta, GA — a true Grady Baby — Yung Holyfield discovered his love for music at the age of 8 and wrote his first song by the age of 14. He grew up in a well-known, well-respected part of Atlanta, where his name has always held weight.

Yung Holyfield faced many different challenges throughout his young adulthood, which ultimately led to his incarceration in one of the most dangerous prisons in Georgia: Reidsville. After his release, music came to a halt for Yung Holyfield as he focused on changing his life. Against all odds — young, Black, and a convicted felon — he made the bold decision to go back to school.

He didn’t just attend; he excelled, graduating at the top of his class and going on to become one of the best Dental Surgical Assistants in his field. Yung Holyfield would go on to work in dentistry for 14 years, proving his resilience and commitment to reinvention.

Still, music remained close to his heart.

“Music is my therapy. I let my pen caress the pages, while my emotions lubricate my thoughts.”

Music has always been his passion — he just never got the chance to fully tell his story.

Now, that’s changing. Yung Holyfield recently shot the video for his single and album “I AM” in Decatur. The visuals, directed by @coolievuitton, are powerful — not just because of the bars or the setting, but because of the presence of something symbolic: a real G.O.A.T.

“The reason I decided to go with the G.O.A.T. is because of the many different obstacles in life I overcame, changed my mindset, and was able to build off my mistakes,” says Holyfield.

This isn’t just a comeback — it’s a statement! Yung Holyfield isn’t just making music. He’s living his truth, proving that growth is the greatest of all time. G.O.A.T.!