Jason Martin, better known in the music world as Kidd Called Quest, has been steadily building a legacy in underground hip-hop, driven by passion, persistence, and the unmistakable sound of soul-infused beats. Hailing from Rochester, New York, his story is one of creative resilience and unshakable love for the art of production.
A Journey Rooted in Passion
Kidd Called Quest’s earliest exposure to music came from his older brother, a DJ at WRUR 88.5, a college radio station known for its dedication to underground hip-hop. It was in Webster, New York where Kidd’s love for music took root, freestyling and recording with neighborhood friends. What started as playful sessions with a computer mic eventually evolved into a serious pursuit. A skipped Regents exam and a dusty keyboard in the basement became the unlikely gateway to a life dedicated to sound.
By 2001, he had upgraded to a Yamaha DJX2 and later discovered the legendary MPC 2000. With each new piece of gear, his understanding of rhythm, sampling, and sequencing deepened. In 2005, his first instrumental tape Jay Quest vs. 9th Wonder dropped—gaining unexpected traction and setting his career in motion.
Creative Drive & Inspiration
After years in the game, one might expect burnout, but Kidd Called Quest remains driven by the grind. “The grind keeps me motivated and focused,” he says. “Each challenge, each beat is a new direction—and I still find joy in creating.”
While success once meant placements and big names, today, Kidd finds fulfillment in a different kind of recognition. “Now the real prize is the impact your creativity has on people. It’s when strangers give you your flowers—that’s what keeps the fire going.”
The Sound of Kidd Called Quest
His sound is deliberate yet flexible. About 75% of his production is intentional, shaped by years of honing a signature style. The other 25% is driven by experimentation and spontaneous inspiration. “Sometimes I just mess around with random sounds and samples until something hits,” he admits. But the goal remains the same: “I want people everywhere to be able to vibe with my sound.”
Despite being a recognized name in the New York underground scene, Kidd is often asked why more upstate artists don’t rap over his beats. His answer is simple: “Everyone has their go-to people. I’m not going to beg anyone to work with me. When it’s right, it’ll happen naturally.”
Photo By David Reese
What’s Next for Kidd Called Quest
There’s no slowing down. Kidd has several major projects in the pipeline:
- “Stages of Reality” with longtime collaborator Azariah (as Young Black and Gifted)
- “The 808 Theory” with Tito Lopez
- “Ghetto Poetry” with 2100 Bagz
- New collaborations with Vsecrets and MookDaTruth_7
- Plus, a string of singles and surprise drops throughout the year
Creative Process: The Beat Blueprint
Quest’s beat-making process is equal parts technical and instinctive. He often starts by digging for samples—looking for that one sound that hooks his ear. From there, he chops or loops the sample, experiments with tempo, adds hi-hats and drums, and builds from the mood of the moment. Yet, no two beats come together the same way. It’s a flexible, feeling-driven process.
Legacy in the Making
As the beatmaker behind some of Upstate New York’s most authentic hip-hop moments, Kidd Called Quest is not just making music—he’s making impact. His work resonates with those who still value lyrical substance, soulful loops, and uncompromising originality.
For Kidd, success isn’t just about charts—it’s about the connections, the culture, and the people who feel something when the beat drops.
Follow and Support Kidd Called Quest
Stay updated on Kidd Called Quest’s journey and explore his music:
- Bandcamp: kiddcalledquest.bandcamp.com
- Instagram: @kiddcalledquest
- Twitter: @kiddcalledquest
- SoundCloud: Kidd Called Quest