Rochester, NY emcee Azariah (half of Young Black And Gifted) and producer Laddie dropped the visuals for their new collaboration titled  “Married To The Game” featuring cuts by DJ Ease. Bolstered by Laddie’s soulful and sombre soundscape, Azariah and Laddie proceed to showcase their lyrical prowess with a plethora of bars filled with bravado and insight. Far from glorifying the streets, the duo gives a nuanced and relatable account of how life is for young black men trying to find their footing. DJ Ease sure comes through with excellent vocal cuts that help tie the verses together.

The visuals are engaging as well and blend cinematic cut scenes with smooth performance shots of both Azariah and Laddie.

“Married To The Game” serves as a precursor to the highly anticipated album by Azariah Phase III: Blessed And Highly Favored.  As evidenced by the III in the title, this release (to drop on January 5th) is the third full-length collaboration between Laddie and Azariah including 2017’s Phase One: Lord Of The Underground and last year’s Phase II: The Return Of Sloppy Smooth. Guest features on this album include other Rochester heavyweights Times Change of Da Cloth and Jae Hussle.

Pre-order the album here.


Keep up with Azariah | Bandcamp: Instagram

Keep up with Laddie |  Instagram