There’s a new R&B group in town. Texas-based quartet 2BYG — which stands for To Be Young and Gifted — makes their formal introduction with their debut EP, The Yearbook,via Waystar Records/Def Jam.
At nine tracks, The Yearbook is a time-bending collection that flips through the golden age of R&B with a fresh viewpoint. The Talay Riley-produced “Karma” pulls a page from the new jack swing era of the early ’90s, while the Blaq Tuxedo-helmed “Wassup” revisits 2002 with its spin on B2K‘s “Uh Uh.”
Meanwhile, the Ray Keyz-produced “Do 4 Luv” reimagines the late Bobby Caldwell’s 1978 classic “What You Won’t Do for Love.” Here, Matt Brown, Nixx, Tourè and KD’s mighty vocals shine over a softer backdrop.
“Someone Like You” evokes the nostalgia of begging R&B, where they plead to a love interest for a chance at their heart. “What can I say / To be loved by someone like you?” they croon in the chorus.
Although it’s not a full-length album, TheYearbook packs enough punch for a satisfying listen as the freshman group sets the stage for what’s next in 2026.
2BYG launched their first era with “Karma” on April 25. Tourè explained, “‘Karma’ is deep, because it discusses how what goes around really does come back around. You can apply that to life in so many different ways. It’s a universal concept.”
KD noted, “We’re all faith-based individuals. I believe you reap what you sow. The song captures this sentiment. Whatever you’re putting into a relationship or friendship is what you’re going to get back. That’s the way the world works. It’s real, and it shows up in everyday life.”
Stream 2BYG’s new EPThe Yearbookbelow.