Hailing from Rochester, NY, Young Black And Gifted (YBG) is a powerhouse duo comprised of the lyricist Azariah and the producer Kidd Called Quest. Established as staples in the underground boom-bap scene, they specialize in what they describe as “motivation music”—a gritty, soul-sampling sound designed to fuel the grind. After a hiatus since 2023, during which Azariah dropped his ‘Humble And Hungry’ mixtape and Kidd Called Quest collaborated with heavy hitters like RJ Payne, the duo has returned. Their latest single, “Prime Time,” marks the beginning of a new era of independent releases under their own imprint, Young Black And Gifted Music.
When you look at the landscape of modern media, there is a quiet, persistent erasure of the very architects who built the foundation. Black and Brown creators often see their aesthetics and vernacular absorbed into mainstream trends while the originators are left fighting for a seat at the table. On “Prime Time,” Azariah and Kidd Called Quest aren’t asking for a seat; they are building their own room. This isn’t just a return to form for the Rochester duo; it is a streetwise manifesto on why staying grounded in your roots is the only way to survive an industry that often tries to wash you out.
Kidd Called Quest provides a backdrop that feels like a crisp autumn morning in New York—hard-hitting drums paired with a melodic sensibility that demands respect. It’s the kind of production that reminds us that while trends flicker and fade, the weight of a well-crafted beat is timeless. Azariah meets this energy with a flow that is both seasoned and hungry. He speaks directly to the creative who is tired of the digital noise, offering a thoughtful reminder that being your own motivator is a necessity, not an option, in an era defined by oversaturation.
The core of this track lies in the rejection of the “overnight success” fantasy. YBG leans into the grit of the process, highlighting that the path to true creative liberty is paved with the mundane work nobody sees. They argue that we shouldn’t get caught up in the polished illusions of social media. Instead, “Prime Time” serves as a call to find freedom through discipline. It is the daily commitment to the craft—the writing, the digging through crates, the refusal to compromise—that eventually leads to a position of power where you own your narrative entirely.
Ultimately, this record is a celebration of longevity and self-reliance. By releasing “Prime Time” independently, the duo bypasses the traditional gatekeepers who often facilitate the erasure they are fighting against. They are proving that when you master your tools and maintain your discipline, you don’t need a major label to tell you when it’s your season. For Young Black And Gifted, every second spent in the lab is a step toward a legacy that cannot be erased or co-opted.
Buy The Single:
https://youngblackandgifted.bandcamp.com/album/prime-time
