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Tag: james fauntleroy

  • Syd Drops New Single ‘Callin’ & Announces ‘Beard’ Album

    Get ready, because Syd is back and serving up new music! After focusing on her work with The Internet and her solo projects, the talented artist is officially rolling out her third solo album, titled ‘Beard.’ This highly anticipated LP is set to drop in July, and she’s kicking off the official rollout with the release of her lead single, ‘Callin”.

    Yearning for Love on ‘Callin”

    Co-written and co-produced with the hitmaking duo Nova Wav (known for their work on Netflix’s ‘Hitmakers’), ‘Callin” features vocals from Nova Wav’s own Blu june. The track is pure Syd, filled with a sense of urgent yearning as she croons about needing her girl’s love and frustration over unanswered calls. Lines like ‘I’m callin’ 911 / Cause I need your love / And you ain’t pickin’ up’ perfectly capture the song’s desperate, yet determined, vibe.

    The visualizer for ‘Callin” adds another layer to the narrative. We see Syd out for a drive in Los Angeles, pulling over to use a payphone – a nod to the song’s theme of trying to connect. Her stress is palpable as she sings into the receiver, only to be briefly interrupted by a drive-by cameo from Blu and her Nova Wav partner, Chi Sophia. Syd’s girl still isn’t answering, leaving Syd to leave a frustrated voicemail.

    Introducing ‘Beard’: An Album of Evolution

    ‘Callin” and the previously teased ‘GMFU’ are just two of the twelve tracks set to appear on ‘Beard.’ The album boasts an impressive list of collaborators, including Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt, and Jordan Ward, promising a rich and diverse listening experience.

    Syd describes ‘Beard’ as a ‘coming-of-age album,’ a snapshot of her life right now. The title itself is inspired by the peach fuzz on her upper lip, something society has often taught women to feel insecure about. By embracing and falling in love with her ‘peach fuzz,’ Syd has re-evaluated her insecurities, choosing to build her confidence and own who she is, regardless of external opinions. She also sees the title as representing her unique position in the music industry – an ‘anomaly and an outlier,’ hard to compare, and she’s embracing that identity.

    • Walls
    • Callin’ feat. Blu june
    • Jasmin 17
    • My Love
    • Always Be Mine
    • Closet
    • Bad Guys
    • GMFU
    • Do Better
    • Any Time
    • Water
    • 2 Many Days

    With ‘Beard’ scheduled for release on Friday, July 17th, and available for pre-save now, it sounds like Syd is ready to glow with newfound confidence. Fans can also catch her on her upcoming UK and EU tour dates, details of which can be found on her website.

    What do you think of Syd’s new single ‘Callin” and the themes behind her upcoming album ‘Beard’? Let us know in the comments!

  • Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’: A Sonic Diary

    There’s a special kind of magic that happens when the world quiets down. For singer Alex Isley, the stillness of the night became the perfect backdrop for her major label debut album, “When the City Sleeps.” This collection of 15 songs is more than just music; it’s an intimate journey through her deepest thoughts on love, heartbreak, and finding herself.

    A Nocturnal Vibe: Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery

    Isley describes “When the City Sleeps” as a “collective of a lot of my deepest thoughts and feelings about my love life and what the future of my love life looks like.” It’s a deeply personal project, filled with reflection, self-questioning, and affirmations of her own strength and competence. The album truly captures a nocturnal vibe, perfect for late-night listening.

    While rooted in R&B, a genre she knows well as the daughter of Ernie Isley of The Isley Brothers, Alex is forging her own path. She’s not leaning on her legendary family name but rather exploring her own identity and experiences, opening herself up to face her truths.

    Inspired by Home and a Jazz Standard

    The album draws inspiration from two key sources. Firstly, her hometown of Los Angeles. Isley follows in the footsteps of artists like Outkast, Lupe Fiasco, Solange, and Kendrick Lamar, who have beautifully rendered their homes in their music. She explores what “home” means, considering the roles of systemic oppression, displacement, and identity in how we love and live.

    Her second muse is the classic jazz standard, “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning.” The lyrics, which speak of lying awake thinking about a loved one while the world sleeps, resonated deeply with Isley and sparked the album’s central concept. “I think that birthed the whole idea,” she explained.

    Collaboration and Artistic Growth

    The foundation for “When The City Sleeps” was laid four years ago, a period marked by the pandemic’s profound impact on how we connect and consume art. Isley experimented and collaborated, releasing two EPs prior: “Marigold” with Jack Dine and “I Left My Heart in Ladera” with Terrace Martin.

    This spirit of collaboration continues on her debut album, featuring an impressive lineup including Syd, James Fauntleroy, and Kaytranada. Isley describes the guest spots as an “Avengers-level” link-up, reminiscent of the collaborative energy on The Internet’s “Ego Death” album. She specifically highlighted Fauntleroy as a “bucket list collaborator” and shared how connections with Syd and Kaytranada were made through DMs and shared acquaintances.

    The Color of ‘Dodger Blue’

    A distinct visual theme of “royal blue,” or “Dodger Blue,” permeates the album’s visuals and will be a key element of her upcoming “When The City Sleeps Tour.” Isley hopes that fans attending her shows will leave feeling loved, experiencing a sense of release, and perhaps gaining new insights into their own lives and hearts.

    Ultimately, Alex Isley wants her music to be a source of connection and understanding. “I hope that they feel loved and feel the love from me. And I hope that, I just, I hope that they leave full,” she shared.

    Have you listened to Alex Isley’s ‘When The City Sleeps’? What are your favorite tracks and what themes resonate most with you? Share your thoughts in the comments!

  • New Music Friday: 50 Hip-Hop & R&B Releases

    It’s Friday, and that means it’s time to refresh your playlists with the latest and greatest from the worlds of Hip-Hop, R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Afrobeats! Whether you’re looking to unwind or amp up your weekend vibes, VIBE has curated a list of essential tracks and albums you absolutely need to hear.

    The Hottest Tracks Dropping This Week

    From established legends to rising stars, the music scene is buzzing with new material. Get ready to add these standout releases to your rotation:

    • **Coco Jones** drops the soulful “LUVAGIRL,” a track sure to capture hearts.
    • **Nas** and **DJ Premier** team up for the hard-hitting “GiT Ready,” a collaboration fans have been waiting for.
    • **Snoop Dogg** shares his vulnerable side with “Heart In Need Of A Hug.”
    • **Lizzo** brings the energy with “Don’t Make Me Love You.”
    • **T.I.** explores complex emotions in “Trauma Bond.”
    • **BigXthaPlug** and **600 Entertainment** deliver the anticipated project ‘6WA.’
    • **Elmiene** continues to impress with his smooth single “Saviour.”
    • **Durand Bernarr** features **James Fauntleroy** on the groovy “Wild Ride.”
    • **Miles Caton** asks “Don’t Hate Me” on his latest release.
    • **Yeat** collaborates with **King Kylie** on “Let King Tonka Talk.”
    • **Mike WiLL Made-It** presents his new project ‘R3SET.’
    • **Coi Leray** teams up with **YoungBoy Never Broke Again** for “Better Than Yours.”
    • **6LACK** drops the intriguing “Bird Flu.”
    • **Swae Lee** enlists **Rich The Kid** for “Don’t Even Call.”
    • **Rvssian, Rauw Alejandro,** and **Wizkid** join forces for the infectious “Pongo.”
    • **FLO** releases their new track “Leak It.”
    • **Alex Isley** shares “Maybe Again.”
    • **Arin Ray** drops “Both Of Us.”
    • **Alessia Cara** unveils her new project ‘Love Or Lack Thereof.’
    • **Tank and The Bangas** featuring **Lucky Daye** drop the vibrant “Move.”
    • **Hurricane Wisdom** delivers “LIVING UP.”
    • **Jorja Smith** shares “Price Of It All.”
    • **Asake** and **DJ Snake** collaborate on “WORSHIP.”
    • **Skilla Baby** featuring **42 Dugg** on “West To East.”
    • **DJ Muggs** and **T.F.** featuring **Ghostface Killah** on “Clap.”
    • **Hus Kingpin** releases his project ‘Wavo Forever.’
    • **MudBaby Ru** featuring **Key Glock** on “Out The Mud.”
    • **42 Dugg** featuring **Peezy** on “GIA.”
    • **Samara Cyn** releases her project ‘Detour.’
    • **Lil Tjay** drops “First Time.”
    • **Lil Novi** shares “KurtGEEK.”
    • **Ebony Riley** releases “Honest.”
    • **Red Cafe** featuring **Benny The Butcher** on “TSA Pre-Check.”
    • **TKANDZ** drops “One Hit Wonder.”
    • **Trim** featuring **Pooh Shiesty** on the “Boat (Remix).”
    • **LeoStayTrill** shares “Citrus.”
    • **Fetty P Franklin** drops “Get Yo Money.”
    • **HeadHuncho Amir** releases “The Spokesman.”
    • **Lelo** shares “Monetize.”
    • **Zeddy Will** featuring **YKNIECE** on “There It Is.”
    • **Navy Blue** drops “Soul Investments.”
    • **RealestK** releases his project ‘Forgive To Forget.’
    • **Tink** shares “Overrated.”
    • **SPINALL** unveils his project ‘When Lagos Sleeps.’
    • **Protoje** and **Shenseea** collaborate on “Goddess.”
    • **Lebra Jolie** releases her project ‘Better Than Yesterday.’
    • **Tolou** drops “Body.”
    • **Lil Blade** shares “Sincerely, Darnell.”
    • **Bernadette Price** releases ‘Kissing The Ground Sinners.’
    • **C Stunna** drops “B.B.L.S.”

    A Diverse Soundscape for Your Weekend

    This week’s releases offer a rich tapestry of sounds, from smooth R&B melodies and classic hip-hop collaborations to energetic Afrobeats rhythms. Whether you’re looking for something to vibe to, dance to, or reflect with, there’s something here for everyone.

    Don’t miss out on the chance to discover your next favorite song or artist. Dive into these new tracks and let them soundtrack your weekend festivities. Happy listening!

    Which of these new releases are you most excited to hear? Did we miss any of your favorite new tracks? Let us know in the comments below!