‘X Factor’s’ Chris Rene Drops ‘Young Homie’ Online (Audio)

It was the song that won him a spot on the first season of Fox’s The X Factor and made him a YouTube hit  just days after his audition aired, and even spawned cover renditions by other artists. And now, fans can listen to the studio single online in advance of its as-yet-unscheduled release on iTunes.

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The Santa Cruz rapper-singer (or “ringer” as he’s referred to himself) is working on his upcoming album from X Factor mentor L.A. Reid’s Epic Records. “Young Homie,” the album’s first single, is also currently in rotation on radio. Rene told THR that he was inspired to write it while listening to Lil Wayne and Drake’s music.

“We have high expectations for them, but we don’t kid ourselves in believing that we can microwave artists and start them overnight,” Reid told reporters about the X Factor contestants with record deals. “We’re patient enough to take the right amount of time and do this properly.”

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Reid also signed Marcus Canty and Astro to his label. Canty will be releasing his single in two weeks according to the music producer. And he says Astro is currently recording in Miami with several producers, including Pharrell Williams.

Listen to the streaming version of “Young Homie” below and tell us if you think it lives up to your expectations.

Email: Jethro.Nededog@thr.com; Twitter: @TheRealJethro