NEW RELEASES
If you are looking for the most notable music releases of the week, then look no further than our latest R&B Season playlist update. There are a few tracks in this edition that are more genre-melding than most, but kicking things off is a classic cut. Ciara recently dropped her "Ecstasy" single, and if you're a fan of sultry drums and spotlit vocal performances, then this song will definitely feel like that to you. She doesn't accompany her voice with many background vocals, which fits well on this simple, minimal, but lyrically evocative cut. The percussion in particular goes a long way to ground this record, especially the deep kicks and sharp snares that keep the single in swing.
However, if you're looking for something a little more alternative and mellow out of our R&B Season playlist, then you might find your new gems on the new SiR deluxe. "OUT OF MY HANDS" is one of the new songs expanding his 2024 album HEAVY, and it features Maeta over a steady and relaxing drum beat with gentle guitars and soaring vocal trades. Both performers share a lot of vocal chemistry here, even if it won't win over folks who seek a bit more excitement.
Fortunately, if peppy playfulness is what you demand from R&B Season, SAILORR will not disappoint. The new record "DOWN BAD" might sound a bit more melancholy when you start it up, but as it goes on, she adds more character to her vocal performance and harmonies while skating over a bouncy, West Coast-ish rhythm. The breathy vocals and chill synths never suffer as a result of a more immediate percussive treatment, though, creating a nice balance between fun and frustration.
Our last mention on this R&B Season update shouts out Rod Wave for his sunburnt and slow-riding new song, "Sinners." His approach to the mic is up to standard, but a slower and guitar-led beat adds more drama to his tales of perseverance, hardship, and triumph. It's for the new Ryan Coogler film of the same name starring Michael B. Jordan and more stars, and this cinematic background certainly shines through.
NEW RELEASES
Kevin Abstract, like his stage name suggests, is back with another creative record. "GEEZER" is the name, and it sports a feature from singer, rapper, and actor, Dominic Fike. This now makes this their second ever collaboration, with the first being 2019's "Peach" from Kevin's ARIZONA BABY.
This track is also kind of special as it serves as the lead single for the former BROCKHAMPTON member's next solo LP, Blush. Per Hypebeast, fans should expect it to drop on June 27. Per Genius, its shaping up to be a stacked project too with potential features from JPEGMAFIA, The Kid LAROI, Danny Brown, Quadeca, and more.
Of course, this will be Kevin Abstract's fourth solo LP with American Boyfriend: A Suburban Love Story, ARIZONA BABY, and 2023's Blanket being the predecessors.
On "GEEZER," him and Fike have some great chemistry over this indie instrumental, which shouldn't be a surprise. The duo has some great humor about them too. They cheekily rap about being afraid of not chasing their dreams.
The parent element goes a long way in urging listeners to not feel like you are bound to one path in life. "I said, "Damn, back then you used to be my right hand" / What happened? / She said, "Dad, you got old and then you ruined my plans," Fike raps.
Check out the track below.
Quotable Lyrics:
She ain't get accepted where the teacher recommended (Uh-oh)
She still makin' coffee at the age of thirty-seven (Uh-oh)
I know it's a small town, but the mall now looks small now
I guess the lesson is never let your guard down
Banks put up the buildings and your parents build the fences
Please don't stay behind them in your mid-twenties
