Seattle might not always get its due in hip-hop conversations, but 24-year-old Ethiopian-American rapper Yonny is changing that narrative. With style, confidence, and a voice that speaks for a city often overlooked, he puts Seattle on the map with his latest single, “City in Motion.” Created in collaboration with Seattle Sounders FC and HOMETEAM, the track drops just in time to soundtrack the energy of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™.

With a flow reminiscent of Kendrick in experimental mode and Jersey club energy pumping through the beat, Yonny turns each verse into a sonic postcard from Seattle. The track is a bold blend of local pride, playful production, sharp lyrics, and the kind of vibe that lingers long after it ends. “City in Motion” is, above all, a city portrait that refuses to take anything but the front seat.

“In a town where you can do just about whatever your heart desires, whether that’s being an artist, playing sports, or even opening your own little coffee shop, Seattle has always been a place where your most creative thoughts can flourish. I’m proud to stand with Sounders FC and HOMETEAM to show that it’s bigger than just music or soccer; it’s a movement!” — Yonny

The song’s got that fast, punchy rhythm that makes your head nod without you even realizing it, kind of like Jersey club but smoother. Yonny jumps in with an effortless flow, dropping bars that get straight to the point while playing with melodies like it’s second nature. Everything feels fresh and dynamic, like he’s having fun but still totally in control. It lifts your mood without even asking.

For the team behind the project, this collaboration isn’t just a marketing strategy: it’s an emotional statement. Courtney Carter, Sounders FC’s chief revenue officer, sums it up as a way to celebrate what makes the club unique—its fans, its culture, and the moments that elevate it beyond sports. For her, working with HOMETEAM and Yonny is a concrete way to highlight the local entrepreneurs and artists who sustain Seattle’s identity.

But the campaign goes far beyond music. HOMETEAM, the streetwear company founded by former Nike and Jordan designer Ben Kirschner, launched a capsule that redefines merch. From a repurposed Sounders FC kit hoodie to graphic tees with vibrant, bold messaging and a timeless cap, the collection weaves together history, design, and culture into items that speak directly from and to Seattle streets.

According to Ben Kirschner, the collection is about telling a story that only those who grew up in Seattle can tell authentically. The campaign, although designed for a global stage like the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, is born from a deep place, as a tribute to the roots, to the people who define the city, and, of course, to the team that represents them on the pitch.

This journey is personal to Yonny. It’s his city, his story, and his moment in the spotlight. With “City in Motion,” he does not simply lay claim to being Seattle’s new rap voice; he shows how hip-hop can be a force of identity, pride, and cultural narrative. So, if your day is lacking a little rhythm, whether you’re from Seattle or not, here’s one recommendation: Press play on “City in Motion” and get going.

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