Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with YB

Singer-songwriter YB is channeling his God-given gifts into his craft, bringing each experience and moment into his creative process. The result is emotionally poignant lyrics that have connected with listeners around the world, made evident by his Top 20 gospel album Fire & Desire. He’s following that success with the release of his new single, “Grace,” and we spoke with him about it!

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
YB: Music has always been an escape for me. I grew up watching my older brothers rap and freestyle, so being impacted by them I tried my hand at it. I grabbed my first microphone at age eight and haven’t looked back since.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
YB: To be honest, nothing has impacted my career more than literally embracing life. I tend to be very reflective, so when I go through experiences, I’m never like, “Oh, this would be a good song.” It’s more of me being still long enough to dial in on experiences, and whatever comes up—emotions, punchlines, etc.—spill over into my creative process.

PC: You have a deep connection with your faith. During challenging times, you’ve always turned to Him. What’s the biggest lesson He’s taught you?
YB: Man, that’s a loaded one. [laughs] But I’d say through it all, He will not fail. That would be my overarching statement. In the times where I’ve turned to Him and the times where I’ve failed to do so, the results on His end have been consistent. With everything in our lives experiencing a constant change, it’s a great peace to know one thing will remain, you know. To me that’s huge.

PC: Tell us about “Grace” and the inspiration behind the song.
YB: “Grace” came from a place of overflow. My team at Bold Records and I had just come off a big campaign with Fire & Desire, and the momentum from the release had us head over hills. At the time, I was on the road touring dates, thanking supporters, and all the while producers were still sending beats. So when I made it in the studio, “Grace” came to me rather quickly.

PC: You’re an artist who is consistently releasing new music. What do you hope to say with this next body of work?
YB: I’m really excited for our next release. I’ve been challenging myself to continue to push the envelope sonically. I’m trying new sounds, new deliveries, and the like. So with this next body of work I’m saying we’ve came a long way, but we still got a ways to go.

PC: Fire & Desire was very well received. Does that add any pressure for future releases?
YB: Ironically, it doesn’t put any pressure on me for future releases. I understand my process, and I embrace it with authenticity. Going back to earlier in the interview, it’s not a focus to create a hit or something that sounds like the new “now.”

It’s freeing to reminisce real moments being backstage on tour, recalling road trips with my loved ones, and all of life’s emotions. The song is already there; I just have to get out my own way to communicate that in its rawest form.

PC: Assuming the COVID-19 situation gets under control, what does the rest of 2020 look like for you?
YB: We’re back moving. We still have some potential dates on the calendar and some releases scheduled for 2020.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: First album you bought?
YB: First album I bought was Ludacris Red Light District.

PC: First concert you attended?
YB: Winter Jam in 2013

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
YB: Album that changed my life would be Eminem’s 8 Mile. [laughs] “Lose Yourself” gave me the passion to write songs that were true to you.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
YB: [laughs] Honestly, anywhere in New York would be gold!

PC: A must-have on the road?
YB: Man, a must-have would be my iPhone notepad. I get very creative and inspired when I travel, and a lot of our creative endeavors were spurred from a trip.

To keep up with YB, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.