Influenced by legends like Jadakiss, Jay-Z, The Notorious B.I.G., Curren$y, and Phonte, Rochester native Yogi Barry is riding The New Wave of Upstate artistry. His debut single, High & Alright, became a staple in the local music scene - ushering in his self-proclaimed genre: Medicinal Motivation.
His “cannabis infused encouragement” is grounded in his belief that artistry must be rooted in authenticity. For Yogi, lyrics aren’t just bars - they’re affirmations. Each line is a vision cast forward, manifesting the future he wants for himself, his daughter, and his crew. But his creative energy doesn’t stop when the mic turns off. Outside the booth, Yogi wears many hats: girl dad, Legislative Clerk by day, and event curator with The Cloud Collective by night.
How does he balance it all?
And that grind - the run-around, the pull-up, the network - all played a major role in his journey.
Yogi first met collaborator Kai Onyx through Rochester’s creative scene - open mics, jam sessions, and studio lock-ins that connected them with a wave of Rochester rappers, engineers, and producers. Their connection eventually brought them to the home studio of Lxxseleaf Midas where their creativity was untapped. What started as a collaboration grew into something bigger. Alongside artists and producers like Lxxseleaf and SHUA, they formed The Cloud Collective in 2023: a crew driven by purpose, passion, and that unmistakable Upstate hustle.
That studio became more than a workspace - it was a sanctuary. A place where they learned to shape their sound and practice creative alchemy: turning what they had into everything they needed.
Today, Yogi Barry has five singles and EPs, an album, and has worked with over a dozen artists. To continue following his journey, follow him on all streaming platforms, and on social media @YogiBarry_.
Keep your ears open because his upcoming project Before the Magic Happens is on the horizon! In the meantime, stream his 2024 EP Lose Gold, out now on all platforms.
Stay tuned for the next artist ready to ride The New Wave with SURFACE.
Thank you again to Yogi Barry for taking the time to chat with us!
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