Derrick “Yung Wurld” McAlister is an American musician, Music Director, and Programmer whose work reflects artistic integrity, expressive musicianship, and cultural influence across live performance and music production. Known for his clarity of vision and collaborative leadership, McAlister brings a refined musical sensibility to some of the most high-profile stages in contemporary music.
A Buffalo, NY native, Yung was raised with a rhythmic heartbeat, though it wasn’t until age 17 that he realized his musical gift at the piano. Within four years of first sitting down at the keys, and upon being introduced to iconic producer Teddy Riley by his uncle Kenny Hawkins (Music Director for the legend Rick James) McAlister was touring as the Music Director and lead keyboardist with R&B group Blackstreet. It was on that gig that he earned the nickname “Yung Wurld” – a nod to his near-prodigal proficiency at playing by ear at such a youthful age.
Since that first job, McAlister has amassed an impressive collection of names he counts among those artists he has worked with. Recently he served as Music Director for legacy R&B artist Monica on her highly-anticipated “The Boy is Mine” tour. Beginning in 2024, he performed as Band Leader + keyboardist for KPOP superstars Stray Kids on their “dominATE” world tour, which earned top-10 earning status among all tours in 2025. He’s also proudly contributed musical arrangements to the hit Fox television program “The Masked Singer.” Between 2019-2023 he joined BLACKPINK on multiple world tours and recorded presentations, including a record-setting headline Coachella appearance – the most-watched live performance in the festival’s history. Additionally, McAliister has executed successful high-profile shows for trending artists including The Kid Laroi, Bad Bunny, and Latto.
Derrick currently works as a Music Director, Programmer, Arranger, Keyboardist and music producer in the Los Angeles area. He proudly endorses the Roland Corporation.
HOLLA @ YUNG WURLD: On Instagram: @yungwurld