From the trenches to the tracklist, YTB Zai is redefining what it means to be a modern hip hop storyteller. Born in the Bay and raised in Stockton, California—with stops across the South from Texas to Georgia—YTB Zai’s sound is a reflection of the places and people that shaped him. Gritty, raw, and honest, his music stands firmly in the space he calls Trap Art, or as he describes it, “ghetto gospel.” It’s music that speaks for the streets and everyone grinding through life’s toughest moments.
Inspired by heavyweights like JBlacc, Mo3, Bankroll Fresh, and Young Thug, YTB Zai channels a wave of southern soul and West Coast realness into his craft. His creative process is grounded in vibe—if the beat hits, he locks in. He doesn’t overthink it. “Really I just be kiccn it,” he says. “If it’s a vibe, I get to work.” That authenticity is what draws people in, and it’s what keeps his growing fan base locked in.
His rise hasn’t gone unnoticed either. One of the major milestones in his career was landing collaborations with hip hop giants like Young Thug and Gucci Mane, and more recently, signing a partnership deal with YouTube Music. It’s a major feat for an independent artist, and YTB Zai wears that badge with pride. “My fans are who make me me,” he emphasizes.
YTB Zai is transparent about his journey—from his past life as a football player to becoming a rising voice in hip hop. His lyrics pull directly from personal experiences, turning pain, lessons, and hustle into tracks that resonate. His album is essentially his life in audio form. “Everything I rap about, everyone’s been through or knows someone who’s going through it now,” he says. That level of relatability is rare, and it’s what makes YTB Zai stand out in a crowded space.
Staying true to himself, Zai never forces an image. “I just be myself and mind mine,” he shares. It’s that laid-back but laser-focused mindset that fuels his growth. Whether it’s navigating social media or finding the balance between Zai the artist and Zai the man, he keeps it real.
As for the message he wants to leave listeners with? “Just know rats and snakes exist everywhere… and your haters be the closest to you.” Real talk from a real one.
Check out his new single here: Spotify – YTB Zai
Follow him on Instagram: @tmf_ytbzai5
