Meet Yusha Assad, a creative, lyrical, and insightful storyteller/vocalist, with over 20 years of experience in writing and recording music. Yusha is best known for creating meaningful and inspiring projects that resonate with his audience.
Workin & Winnin is Yusha’s 4th project but his first full length LP, and the first officially released under his label With Great Care, LLC. This project is the collaborative and creative genius of Yusha and DC based producer Spn Drft. It’s an affirmative project, meant to inspire listeners to believe in themselves, speak and claim their own greatness, and to build for themselves, their families, and communities. Workin simply means that you’re living, and winnin means that you’re using your time and gifts to inspire others.
On July 12th, Yusha released an album entitled “Still Workin & Winnin: The Promise”. This is his third full length LP and the second installment of the Workin & Winnin series. He subtitles it The Promise to describe the feeling he has that something big is coming ,and he speaks of opportunities available for those who believe and work with gratitude to become their greatest self. He also writes about his experiences with transition and grief and how he tried to process these changes in a healthy way. Around the release of the album, Yusha has been dropping songs monthly. Yusha may also be releasing a delux version of his recent album later in 2023.
It is our distinct pleasure to introduce you to Yusha.
Please tell our readers the meaning of the music you create.
Yusha: I make dope music that tells a story, and inspires greatness. I use my music to connect, inspire, and challenge listeners to live life “With Great Care.”
Do you believe in work-life balance? If so how do you maintain it?
Yusha: I’m a firm believer in work-life balance but I have periods of time when I get off balance on purpose to achieve bigger projects. The goal is to give intentional time to key areas of my life daily. I need to do something for my body, my mind, my spirit, my relationships, and my money. Keeping intentional habits and goals in these areas allows me to live a production yet full life. Even with all this, my truth is that I love to work, because I love my work. I person viewing my schedule make think it’s work heavy, but I do what I love.
What do you have planned for the next six months?
Yusha: I keep my calendar filled all year. I’m releasing the deluxe version of my “Still Workin & Winnin: The Promise” album in November with single releases month before and after. The goal is to release consistent music. I’m currently taking bookings as they come including HBCU Homecomings, private corporate events, and other opportunities. In December I’m planning my annual give away, holiday concert, and holiday party with my business partner at The District Creative Institute. My art incubator space on H St NE DC. I’ll be working in DC school during this time offering consulting, professional development, and coaching services through my project called The Hope Campaign. The Hope Campaign is a social impact and SEL focused model showing school how to measure hope in a student and develop strategic plans to inspire new beliefs and greater efficacy. I’ll also be featured in the second half of the 2nd season of OWN’s Love and Marriage DC.
Lastly, once a month, my partner and I at DCI do a minority owned business market for online business that would like to connect to their local customers face to face. It’s called The Jericho Market. We treat it like a once a month brick and mortar space for these businesses. We allow selected vendors to opt into participating the entire year to build report with local customers and to have a consistent showing. This takes place from march through December every year. Also, every holiday, I give away clothing packages from my apparel brand, WGC Apparel, for some families in need.
What’s your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs, especially those in the music industry?
Yusha: I’ll tell aspiring new entrepreneurs, especially those in the music industry, to determine who you’re going to be, from a principle standpoint, and stand on it with accountability and integrity. Define what your work ethic is, set a principle around completing projects, be intentional about how you’re going to treat other people, and have an unwavering confidence that your hard work will pay off. Then be disciplined.
Connect online: @yushaassad
