2BYG: The R&B Group Elevating Modern Nostalgia
Somewhere down the line, the R&B group dynamic that was so foundational to the genre began fading to the background, as solo artists took center stage. Soul music groups from the 60s and 70s, like The Temptations, The O’Jays, and The Spinners had the culture in a chokehold, with their matching tailored suits and perfectly choreographed performances.
The 80s brought New Edition, Guy, Levert, and Troop, before giving way to good ol’ 90s R&B groups, like Boyz II Men, Dru Hill, and Jodeci. Jagged Edge, 112, and B2K kept the tradition alive, going well into the 2000s. All of these groups, plus many more set the pulse of the culture by providing the soundtrack to our lives, while simultaneously topping the charts, breaking records, and most importantly, looking good while doing it. Although we may have forgotten about the chills a good group harmony gives us, it has definitely been missed.
But, don’t worry because R&B’s next generation has been taking notes, and re-igniting tradition with the rise of groups like FLO and WanMor, who just so happen to be the sons of Boyz II Men’s Wanya Morris. One emerging quartet to add to that list is 2BYG. Standing for “to be young and gifted”, as stated on the intro track of their debut project, ‘The Yearbook’, the group is steadily gaining traction with a unique, yet nostalgic sound that effortlessly blends R&B, Soul, Hip Hop, Pop, and Gospel.
Comprised of four passionate hearts and minds, Matt Brown, Nixx, Tourè, and KD, are giving R&B heads hope that the genre’s future in good hands. Although 2BYG’s name has far extended beyond their Texas base, their journey from smartphone screens to center stage has been well documented.
The group became more than just an idea when Matt Brown, Nixx, and Tourè met at performing arts high school and began bonding through their shared love of the “classics”, as well as their passion for performing. KD later completed the quartet after catching the attention of the others at a local talent show. After that, it was nothing but up from there, with the four lighting up TikTok with viral covers of popular songs by New Edition, Mint Condition, and H.E.R., which grew their account to over 1 million+ followers.
It wasn’t too long before they landed on Def Jam’s radar, who quickly signed them and released their debut project, ‘The Yearbook’ in 2025. Like any sensible group with goals of longevity and success, 2BYG went on an amazing release run by dropping a steady stream of singles that built anticipation for their debut. “Karma” kicked their run off right in April of 2025 by paring bright synths with a dance-worthy beat and infectious hook. Written by GRAMMY Award-winning songwriter Talay Riley, the single pairs a throwback groove with Gen Z energy, as the guys trade smooth and silky harmonies that highlight their chemistry.
When asked about the record, Tourè said, “‘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 added, “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.”
Shortly after that, the guys were back at it with another harmony heavy single, “Anything”, which was followed by “Twin” months later in August. A fan favorite, “Twin” finds Matt Brown, Nixx, Tourè, and KD flexing their vocals, over a slick electric guitar loop and BOUNCY drum rhythm. Having all the making of an anthem, the song dynamically showcases their wide-ranging talent.
Finally, after months of building anticipation, 2BYG released “The Yearbook”, which introduced them as one of R&B’s most promising new acts. Coming in strong on the intro track, the group states in unison that they are striving to perfect their “God-given abilities” before the nine-track project proceeds to prove why it was well-worth the wait, enjoyably drawing you along track after track, until you’re left wanting more when it’s over 23 minutes later.
A re-imagination of R&B today, ‘The Yearbook’ channels nostalgia, while cementing 2BYG’s status as key players with limitless potential in the genre’s future. Aside from tastefully sampling B2K’s 2001 hit, “Uh Huh” on “Wassup”, plus powerfully interpolating Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do for Love", the project brings back the art of the interlude, ‘The Miseducation Of Lauryn Hill’ style on “Love… Actually, Kinda?”.
There, we’re dropped into a live classroom discussion about love, the craziest thing they’ve done for it and its validity in their generation. Overall, ‘The Yearbook’ makes a good first impression by paying homage to R&B’s roots of real love and lyrics that actually mean something, while giving you some dope melodies to hum throughout the day. Simply put, it has high replay value.
Fast forward to 2026, and 2BYG has found themselves on a whole new level. Their performances on Cadillac Chronicles, The Red Couch Show, and the iconic Star Search have raised their profile, quickly positioning them as one of R&B’s up next. Most recently, “Somebody Like You”, a standout from ‘The Yearbook’ received a visual treatment, marking 2BYG’s first single of the new year.
The video’s chill and vibrant energy bring the track to life in a lively poolside scene, as viewers find Matt Brown, Nixx, Tourè, and KD in matching hockey jerseys, entertaining guests, and keeping their charisma high as the party goes on and they continue perfecting their God-given gifts, proving that the need for substance, style, and the respect of real love in R&B was never forgotten.
