The Roots of Ambition

From Hyphy to Healing: TYSF on Faith, Survival & Bay Area Grit


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Bay Area rapper, host, and community voice TYSF sits down with us for a raw, vulnerable, and inspiring conversation—growing up between San Francisco & L.A., the Hyphy era, finding God after a near-fatal night, chasing stability (house, backyard, family), and building her nonprofit Ghetto Child of God while studying nursing. We get into the realities of the music industry, why crying became a healthy reset, and the mindset shifts behind her art. If you’re into authentic stories, Bay culture, and comeback energy—this one’s for you.👉 Follow TYSF:IG: @tysf.qods • YouTube:  @TYSFVEVO  • TikTok: @tysf415Subscribe for more conversations on ambition, faith, family, and the grind.Like, comment, and share to support Bay voices and real stories.Keywords: TYSF, San Francisco rapper, Bay Area hip hop, Hyphy, LA vs SF, faith testimony, redemption story, women in rap, nursing student, nonprofit, Ghetto Child of God, podcast interview, music industry realities, Black C, Young Cudi, Sunset Youth ServicesChapters:00:00 Intro — Who is TYSF? Bay roots & energy02:02 A day in the life: airport shift, gym, Bible study, studio05:15 Starting at 11: poetry → rap, first label interest at 1508:42 The grind mindset & faith when motivation dips12:10 Why crying became a reset (and what happens if you don’t)16:06 Projects to LA: Gardena stories, Bay vs. LA culture20:18 Hyphy, wordplay, and mixing influences (Lauryn Hill, Black Star)23:35 Writer’s block after lifestyle changes → pivoting sound & beats27:18 Advice to young women in music: business first, image & health31:05 The dark side of the industry & hard lines she won’t cross36:22 Grandma, expectations, and work ethic (SF, El Salvador roots)40:50 Nursing path & being the first to finish school44:08 The moment that changed everything: faith & survival48:55 Stability over status: the dream of a home & a backyard52:10 Nonprofit vision: Ghetto Child of God—helping people stabilize56:12 Fun Qs: animal, superpower, $100M first moves59:10 New music: “Keyed Up,” “Liar,” “Hotel” ft. Black C1:02:20 Hosting QODS Podcast & future live-audience goals1:06:05 Message to her future self & to young girls starting out1:09:40 Where to find TYSF + closing

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The Roots of AmbitionBy The Roots of Ambition