Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Young Thunder (Tylen Fowlkes)

We’re looking forward to introducing you to Young Thunder (Tylen Fowlkes). Check out our conversation below.

Good morning Young , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me moves quickly. I often tell myself that I want to relax and take a break, but there is always something that needs my attention. Whether it involves business, music, or personal responsibilities, I am constantly in motion. I have always been naturally driven, so even when I plan to rest, my mind gravitates toward creating something new or planning my next move. My thoughts stay active, and I am always thinking about how to grow and improve.

Over time, I have learned how important certain moments in life truly are. Once they pass, you cannot get them back. Because of that, I make it a priority to stay connected to the things that matter most. I focus on family, I make time to exercise, and I stay committed to strengthening my mind and maintaining balance.

Life comes with temptation and many distractions, so I work hard to stay focused and choose the better path. I remind myself to stay disciplined and to keep God first, because without Him nothing is possible. Every day I put in effort to make better choices and to continue becoming the best version of myself while still moving toward my goals.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an artist, influencer, and songwriter who goes by the name Young Thunder, and over time I have turned that name into a brand. My personality is naturally laid back, but I am disciplined, focused, and committed to my goals. When I get free time, I like to enjoy life and have fun, but I still make sure I stay productive and continue growing.

I also run my own company called Street Philosophy, which is a marketing and branding company designed to help build and grow other businesses as well as my own. I have spent years building the structure of this company from the ground up, learning the foundation and putting in the work required to turn it into something real and impactful.

I was blessed with the opportunity to appear on live television in Las Vegas, and I remain focused on leaving my mark in this world. What I enjoy the most is creating material that inspires people in a real and straightforward way. I want others to feel motivated to keep moving forward, even when they experience setbacks. I want my work to remind people that anything is possible. No matter the doubt, envy, or jealousy that may come your way, you can still rise, stay committed, and bring your vision to life.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I was always a dreamer. As a kid, I wanted to play in the NBA and be like Michael Jordan, but the path I was on made my future uncertain. I faced challenges early on, including being bullied. My father, who was often busy with work, once told a family member to make sure I could defend myself. He told me to face my fears head on and never let intimidation control me.

As a kid, I interpreted that the wrong way and it cost me. I got into fights, was kicked out of school, and eventually expelled. I was later able to attend school again for my education, which gave me the chance to continue growing and learning.

As I matured, I realized that facing your fears is not about fighting. It is about confronting the world, standing tall, and working to become the person you are meant to be. Discipline, persistence, and resilience are what help you navigate a world that often tells you that you are not enough until you prove it.

I also learned that seeking validation from others can become a trap. True confidence comes from within. Everyone has the same twenty four hours and the same opportunity to create something meaningful. It is about finding a way to make it happen and staying disciplined enough to see it through.

What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
There are things from my past that still stick with me today. They caused trauma and pain, and I feel that pain even now. But I try to turn it into power and understanding. I’ve learned that the world does not stop for anyone’s problems, and it does not care about your pain. You have to be the one to build the strength of your mind and ask God to heal your wounds.

Life keeps moving, and just because I feel pain does not mean the world will pause. I also make it a point not to take it out on anyone else, because everyone has their own struggles to face. I would rather handle mine myself and rely on God to guide me through it. The pain might never fully disappear, but everything I have gone through has made me a stronger person and helped me grow.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to place a lot of value on money and material things, but over time I realized money is just a tool. When you use it wisely, it doesn’t compromise your character or your values. It’s about being strategic, putting it into things that grow in value, and building structure without sacrificing who you are.

Material things like cars or electronics lose value the second you buy them, but knowing who you are and what you stand for never depreciates. Understanding yourself helps you figure out what you want to build in life and who you want to spend your time with. Money can solve financial problems, but it’s how you maintain your integrity, your mindset, and your spirit that truly matters.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
I set high standards for myself and I truly believe that when you apply focused effort, consistent discipline, and clear understanding to a mission, you can achieve in six months what might take others much longer. When I direct my attention toward something with intention, I can move with speed and precision because I understand exactly what I am doing and why it matters.

After I complete a major step, my mind naturally shifts toward the next level. I do not settle or become comfortable because progress is addictive. I often reach milestones faster than expected, and instead of slowing down, I look for new challenges that help me continue developing as a person and as a businessman. Growth feels natural when you stay committed to learning and adapting.

At the same time, I recognize that not everything can be accomplished overnight. Certain ambitions require structure, patience, and proper planning. I focus on priorities that support stability in my life, such as home ownership, reliable transportation, and strong financial positioning. These things create a foundation that allows me to keep advancing without my personal life or responsibilities falling behind.

For me, success is not just about finishing a checklist. It is about building long-term momentum, staying disciplined, and making sure every decision contributes to the bigger vision of who I want to become. I want each step I take to strengthen my future, not just satisfy a temporary desire. The more I evolve mentally, spiritually, and professionally, the more clarity I gain about what truly matters.

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