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Melody Birkett Communications Director 602-619-8957 Melody.Birkett@redcross.org

Young MC Hosts American Red Cross Blood Drive in Scottsdale

“Bust A Move” Rapper Explains Motivation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA (October 4, 2022) – Multi-platinum, Grammy-award-winning rap artist Marvin Young, aka Young MC, will host his first American Red Cross blood drive on Sunday, October 16, 9:30 am-3:00 pm, at Orange Tree Resort, 10601 N. 56 St., Scottsdale, AZ 85254        

“I’m doing this from the experience of someone who has donated and knows it benefited someone else. Hopefully, everybody will have that experience,” said Young MC, known for his hit song “Bust A Move.” 

Young MC has been involved with charitable causes since his 20s. He donates power red (twice the amount of blood) and enjoys learning how his donation helps others.    

“I got a card saying my donation helped people in two different surgeries. That moved me…Everybody knows somebody that’s had surgery, given birth, or been in an accident. If you know that person and know that person has received blood, and they’ve never given blood and you’ve never given blood, then you’re in the negative. Every few seconds someone, somewhere needs blood.” 

Young MC also stresses the need for African Americans to donate blood so sickle cell patients can be helped. 

“I like seeing a donor talk about the satisfaction of donating. I also like seeing a recipient talk about the benefits of the donation. Like a sickle cell patient.”      

He says donating is relatively easy and he prepares for it by staying hydrated. 

As far as his music career, music was his hobby from the age of 11 until it became lucrative. Young MC was signed at the beginning of his junior year in college by the label Delicious Vinyl. He finished his economics degree, graduating from USC, and made a deal with his parents. 

“I had the summer to make it in the music industry, otherwise I told my parents I’d go to grad school or get a real job…And then the music took off. Economically, it was the best thing for me to do.”

Since the hit “Bust A Move,” Young MC has sung at half-time shows at sporting events and has been recording and touring a lot. 

“I’m doing upwards of 60-70 shows a year. My high was 110 shows in 2016. I’m probably going to do 70 this year. Ironically, the people who listen to my music are in the money-spending demographic now. The cherished 35-54 age group are fans of hip hop and rap.”

To sign up for Young MC’s blood drive or one near you, go to redcrossblood.org                                    

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Local American Red Cross Social Media: Facebook – @RedCrossAriz; Twitter @RedCrossAZ:  

Instagram – @redcross.arizona; redcross.newmexico

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