Meet Young Thunder (Tylen Fowlkes)

We were lucky to catch up with Young Thunder (Tylen Fowlkes) recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Young, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

Growing up, I watched my father work incredibly hard. He was always focused on making money, never lazy, and committed to providing for our family. What stood out to me most was the balance he struck — during the week, he put in the work, and on weekends, I’d see him dress sharp and carry himself with pride. He had this freedom and confidence that came from knowing he earned everything he had. That really inspired me. From a young age, I knew I wanted to build that kind of life — one where I could work hard, enjoy the rewards, and have the freedom to come and go on my own terms.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I go by the name Young Thunder — I’m a rap artist, songwriter, and business owner. I started my journey at just 14 years old, out in the streets pushing my own CDs, doing whatever it took to get my music heard. By the time I was 15, I was already performing at local events, showcases, and competitions throughout the Midwest, building my confidence, my name, and sharpening my stage presence.

At 16, I dropped my first official album — a project that laid the foundation for everything that came after. That release taught me a lot about the creative process, discipline, and the work it takes to keep improving. From there, I stayed consistent and kept growing, both as an artist and a brand.

When social media took off — starting with Myspace — I saw it as a real opportunity to expand beyond my local scene. I worked hard to build an online presence and eventually grew a network of over 50,000 people, all through consistent marketing, networking, and learning how to position myself the right way.

Through all the lessons, wins, and setbacks, I was inspired to build something of my own — and that’s how Street Philosophy was born. It’s not just a marketing firm or a label. It’s a movement rooted in hard work, dedication, and authenticity. We connect with people who understand the grind and believe in turning vision into real impact.

Today, I’ve gone from passing out CDs in Indiana to sharing my story on KTNV ABC Channel 13’s Las Vegas Morning Blend, where I speak about my journey and the business I’ve built. It’s a proud moment, and it’s only the beginning.

My mission now is to take everything I’ve learned — both in music and business — and use it to build a global brand. I want to help other artists and entrepreneurs grow, lead with purpose, and create something that stands the test of time.

The best is still ahead.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

One of the biggest things I’ve learned on this journey is the power of writing things down. I’ve always had a lot of ideas, but back in the day, I wasn’t taking the time to document them. Now I realize how much more effectively I execute when I have a clear plan in front of me. When it’s written down — whether it’s goals, concepts, or next steps — it keeps me focused and accountable. That small habit has made a huge impact on my productivity.

I’ve also shifted my mindset toward investing in longevity. Early on, I used to think only in the moment — chasing quick results — and that led to a lot of unnecessary mistakes. These days, I make decisions with the long game in mind. I think about where I want to be five or ten years from now, not just next week. That change in perspective has helped me build smarter, move more intentionally, and create things that last.

And one thing I always live by is to never stop learning. A lot of people get a little information and feel like they’ve got it all figured out. But I’ve learned that being open to advice, being willing to listen to other perspectives — that’s where real growth happens. I make it a point to stay curious, stay humble, and keep learning. That mindset has been key to my personal and professional evolution.

As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?

A book that really changed my perspective is The One Thing by Gary Keller. It breaks down the idea that if you focus on the single most important task — the one that has the most impact — it can make everything else either easier or unnecessary. That concept really stuck with me, especially as someone who used to juggle a lot of ideas and try to do everything at once.

Reading the book — not just once, but multiple times — helped me realize how much more powerful focused action is. It taught me how to prioritize more effectively, cut out distractions, and move with intention. Since applying those principles, I’ve become more organized, more disciplined, and a lot more efficient in how I approach both my business and creative work.

It also helped me shift my mindset toward longevity. Instead of just reacting to what’s in front of me, I now focus on what’s going to matter in the long run. That’s made a huge difference in how I make decisions, how I build, and how I manage my time. Whether it’s music, business, or life in general — staying focused on the “one thing” has helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Photo Credits:
• Select photos captured at KTNV Studios in Las Vegas, Nevada
• One photo taken during a video shoot in Hollywood, California

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