Browsing Tag

RnB Producer

Chris J Hudson – What Do You Wanna Do ft MoskoStar1: A Game of Hearts and RnB Harmony

Posted on 13 November 2024

In What Do You Wanna Do, the two legends in their own right Chris J Hudson and MoskoStar1 create a velvet-touched sonic seduction that resonates with lyrical vulnerability and soulful bravado.

Born from Chris J Hudson’s creative evolution—from Phoenix indie band frontman in Thunderbird to an LA-based solo visionary—the track is a testament to his commitment to making music that embodies heart and soul. His influences, spanning from Prince’s experimental genius to the groove of Timbaland and the emotive depth of Joni Mitchell, are distilled into this bilingual RnB gem that bridges borders and musical backgrounds.

The single pulses with smoky Latin guitar tones and jazzy sax lines, underscored by melodious keys, that bring a nostalgic warmth straight from the 80s and 90s RnB playbook. It’s a quintessentially smooth yet fiery RnB-Soul fusion, reflecting Hudson’s belief that music should mirror what’s in the soul, not just provide easy pleasure. The track’s groove feels like a game of chess in the arena of love, where the object of desire holds all the proverbial cards, leaving the protagonist grappling with the pain of ambiguous longing.

Hudson’s artistry, defined by a mission to spread love and mindfulness, is undeniably at the heart of this sultry release. It’s an aural aphrodisiac designed to sweep listeners off their feet—while slyly reminding us that love often leaves us at its mercy.

What Do You Wanna Do is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Get into an intimate RnB groove with ILL PHIL’s seminal single, Abo(U)T [Cinnamon]

Posted on 25 July 2024
THE MEMOIR by ILL PHIL PRODUCTIONS

The lead single, Abo(U)T [Cinnamon], from ILL PHIL’s EP, THE MEMOIR, which dropped on July 8th, is locked and loaded with vibe-heavy vulnerability. The track opens with an aphrodisiacal R&B intro that instantly locks you into a melodious groove that will leave you out of the proverbial palm of this illustrious artist’s hand.

The candour within the ode to a soul he doesn’t feel worthy of filling invites you to live vicariously through the passion that mused the mellow declaration of unflinching affection. The lush and laidback production that allows hints of hip-hop roots to pull through the soul-swathed melodies is a testament to the dynamic artist’s ability to use his own worldview to create vignettes which reflect wider emotional phenomena. Anyone who has ever felt the inflection of inferiority in the presence of someone who appears to be rendered in perfection will find visceral resonance in every honeyed vocal note in Abo(U)T [Cinnamon].

Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, ILL PHIL is a seasoned producer and artist with over a decade of experience in the hip-hop and R&B scenes. Known for his versatility, ILL PHIL excels in producing, songwriting, beat making, mixing, and mastering, crafting high-quality tracks that resound with creative authenticity. Abo(U)T [Cinnamon] is the ultimate example of how ILL PHIL is holding dominion over the NYC RnB scene.

Abo(U)T [Cinnamon] is available to stream on Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Follow ILL PHIL on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Chicago soul conduit, JOSÉ, reflected the beauty of human connection in his latest single, This Is

Posted on 18 July 2024

For his latest single, This Is, the soul conduit, JOSÉ, collaborated with guitarist Tim Wu, to deliver his most sublime slice of euphony to date.

With Tim Wu’s melodious guitar lines grooving through the smooth minimalist production, oscillating between staccato chops and intricate lead work, the instrumentals soothe the senses as JOSÉ’ dreamy diaphanous harmonies send sparks of affection through the release which tenderly meditates on a love so pure that it tears at the soul to even think about letting it go.

The Chicago-born-and-raised singer-songwriter and producer who made his debut earlier this year is clearly well on his way to carving out a legacy for himself with his uniquely mellow singles which allow affectionate introspection to evolve into universally resonant reflections of the beauty of human connection.

This Is was officially released on July 12th; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

King Brian versed the gospel of manifestation in his latest alt-RnB single, Gotta Make It

Posted on 24 June 2024
Gotta Make It by King Brian

King Brian (AKA Brian Christopher Brown) is a master of all creative trades, and jack of none; the Michigan-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter, dancer, author, filmmaker and producer honed his talents at a young age, and at this stage of the game, he is nobodies’ pawn.

His latest single, Gotta Make It, is an extension of his impassioned aspiration to become a catalyst for positive transformation worldwide; also noted through his series of books which explore how to unlock enlightenment, fulfilment and self-actualisation. By fusing the soul of RnB and the conviction of rap verses within a melodically tight, and transcendentally iridescent all-consuming pop-hooked production, Gotta Make It is an unflinching statement of intent from an artist determined to bring his rapidly expanding audience to gaze through his illuminated and empowered world view.

Gotta Make It surpasses the tired hustler hip-hop tropes by delivering the gospel of manifestation to anyone ready to take control of their lives, instead of blindly wishing for kismet or karma to pay them their dues.

Gotta Make It is exclusively available on Bandcamp until the single reaches all major streaming platforms on July 7th. Find your preferred way to listen here.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Dani Enli opened the doorway to the RnB Pop pantheon with ‘till the end of time’

Posted on 19 May 2024

After the phenomenal success of her debut single, used to it, singer-songwriter & producer Dani Enli ensured the momentum amassing around her stayed high by releasing her sophomore single, till the end of time. By synthesising future-forward RnB melodies with a pensive trap beat and the sentimentality of pop balladry, Enli opened the doorway to the RnB pop pantheon with the downtempo release which gives every aching word to breathe and resonate over the synths that echo emotion as much as the lyrical poetry.

The bittersweet RnB pop symphony delivers the heart-wrenching epiphany that in the mind and reality of the one that got away, all you will ever be is a memory that fades. Inspired, written, composed and produced following a breakup, the single tenderly explores the transitions between resentment and longing, regret and mourning, proving that nothing is ever black and white; everything lies on a spectrum which Enli profoundly explores with the blissful tonal hues that drift between the progressions in this mellifluously flawless production.

till the end of time reached the airwaves on May 10th; add the single to your Spotify playlists or stream the single on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ELZON earned a place in the RnB pantheon with his organically experimental playlist staple, Is He Home

Posted on 27 April 2024

After an extended intro of tripped-out Latin guitars, the standout single, Is He Home, from ELZON’s debut EP, C U SOON, kicks right into the early 2000s-inspired alt-RnB grooves to pull you under the wavy melodies that don’t ask for permission before crashing into your soul.

The London-based rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer’s talent in crafting immersive soundscapes is only one facet of his talent; his ability to tune into experimentalism with organically rich panache is another. Vocally, there are few artists with as much honey in their harmonies; with his seminal single, Is He Home, the originator earned a place in the pantheon of songwriters alongside the Weeknd, Justin Timberlake and the King of Pop himself. As for the colour in his melodies, you couldn’t ask for a more hypnotic kaleidoscope to sonically gaze into.

Before making his debut, ELZON cut his teeth in the industry by penning songs for other artists, working alongside the likes of the Grammy-nominated producer Ammar Junedi and the underground luminary CASSO. After the launch of his critically acclaimed EP, ELZON graced several editorial playlists including New Music Friday UK, Channel X, and Mood; the RnB crooner is clearly on the rise, join him on his ascent by sinking into Is He Home, which is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Darius Marquis weaved RnB, Retro-Pop & Gospel into a Folklore Serenade with ‘Fairytales’

Posted on 15 April 2024

Like every good folk tale, Darius Marquis’ standout single, Fairytales, alters the mind through expansions of the imagination. The slick with soul and swathed with experimentation release exists between the borders of genres, exploring untrodden intersections of RnB, retro pop and gospel, allowing Fairytales to unravel as an exploratively sincere extension of candour.

Fairytales nuancedly exposits how stories shape our perceptions of the world while we’re too innocent to experience the unfair brutality of it only for those illusions to be shattered, one shot to the heart at a time. The Houston-based artist and producer charted these emotional themes with folk-esque eloquent ease, allowing the poetic fragments of introspection to flow throughout the hazy instrumental currents with melodious ease. With gospel infused into the grooves, the melodies endlessly ascend beneath Darius Marquis’ honeyed harmonies which bring luminescence to the most bitter-sweet facets of life.

If there was as much justice in the world as fairytales would have us believe, Marquis would be a #1 phenomenon.

Stream Fairytales on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Lie awake in YDV’s hypnotic dream pop vignette of affection, OBSESSED

Posted on 10 April 2024

YDV’s latest single, “OBSESSED,” transcends trends, offering listeners a glimpse into a utopic future for RnB. By seamlessly blending dream pop, 8-bit aesthetics, and the soul of RnB, YDV crafted a hazy vignette that immerses listeners in the intoxicating allure of obsession.

With lyrics that resonate universally and melodies that stir the soul, “OBSESSED” is an otherworldly experience that showcases YDV’s mastery of using soundscapes as a canvas for vulnerable expression. As the beats pop and groove, the vocal lines swirl and vortex into the mesmerising melodies, leaving listeners with an elixir they’ll crave pouring endlessly.

“OBSESSED” serves as the first chapter of YDV’s ambitious project, “DON’T LET THIS END,” a highly personal exploration of love, toxicity, trust, self-love, projection, and self-discovery. The accompanying music video delves into the complexities of relationships, revealing the truths often veiled behind the illusion of love.

YDV, a Bay Area artist now based in New York City, defies traditional genre boundaries, blending elements of Hip-Hop, Pop, Rap, and EDM to create a cinematic journey for his audience. Through his music and visuals, he invites listeners to explore the duality of existence and discover their own truths within his artistry.

With “OBSESSED,” YDV invites listeners to fall into the hypnotic embrace of his sound, where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and the journey of self-discovery unfolds. As the first taste of “DON’T LET THIS END,” this single promises an exhilarating odyssey that fans of RnB won’t want to miss.

The official music video for OBSESSED is now available to stream on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

GeeMarr ignited a carnal flame with his exotically expansive RnB hit, Fire & Desire

Posted on 8 April 2024

GeeMarr, the UK’s RnB firebrand, ignited the genre with his latest single ‘Fire & Desire‘. The stylistic fusion of RnB, afrobeat, pop, and soul elements showcases GeeMarr’s versatility and creativity when blending diverse musical influences.

The intro of ‘Fire & Desire’ is a nostalgic nod to the 80s era of RnB, setting the stage for a contemporary twist that GeeMarr executes flawlessly. The track pulsates with modern cuts, seamlessly integrating autotuned reggaeton-esque vocal lines with sun-pierced melodies. The sax lines spill soul by the smorgasbord, weaving through the song and adding a rich, emotive layer to the already vibrant soundscape.

GeeMarr’s lyrics in ‘Fire & Desire’ resonate like mantras, creating a heady sonic haven that you’ll want to occupy all summer and ensuring that the midtempo vignette captures the sweetness of finding someone who evokes feelings of both love and lust. Even if you’re riding solo, you’ll get a taste of how sweet adding fuel to your carnal fire is.

Born in Jamaica and raised in South London, GeeMarr’s global influences are evident in his music. His repertoire spans Afrobeats, R&B, and Soul, and ‘Fire & Desire’ is a culmination of his artistic evolution. After a 5-year hiatus and a series of captivating freestyles on social media, GeeMarr is not just making a comeback; he’s redefining his sound.

GeeMarr’s involvement in every stage of his music, from writing and producing to mixing and mastering, ensures that his sonic signature blazes through ‘Fire & Desire’. This track is a must-listen for fans of RnB and anyone looking for a summer anthem that combines the best of global beats with the soulful depth of RnB.

Stream the official music video for Fire & Desire which dropped on March 28th on YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ty Ellenbogen unveiled the heart of modern RnB with ‘Stolen Time’

Posted on 4 March 2024

Ty Ellenbogen’s latest single and seminal piece of his Day by Day EP is a contemporary continuation of the ever-evolving RnB genre, which carries all the timeless soul of the greats. In Stolen Time, the singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer’s evocative vocal range shines as the melodious jazzy neo-pop instrumentals groove, shimmer, and envelop you in swathes of kaleidoscopic colour.

If The Weeknd, Drake and Frank Ocean are always in rotation on your playlists, you’ll easily accommodate this slick-with-innovation release that makes no bones about cutting to the candourous core of his bitter-sweet lament on investing in someone intent on deceiving their way through the dating pool.

The 20-year-old Nashville-hailing RnB Pop artist has been cutting his teeth in the music industry for the past 12 years and writing and recording original music for the past three. With his debut EP, he did more than prove to be a force to be reckoned with; he gave you a reason to fall head over sonic heels.

Stolen Time was officially released on February 23; stream the single and EP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast