Browsing Tag

Contemporary Rnb

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell showcased synchronicity of the soul in ‘Date Night’

Posted on 6 February 2024

Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell gave the ultimate 101 on how to keep the spark alive in their collaborative contemporary soul release, Date Night, which busts the myth that dates are only for people trying to lock down a relationship.

As the smoothly impassioned gospel-esque lyrical delivery elucidates, there’s no better way of showing appreciation to your partner than putting them on your arm and giving them attention undivided by the distractions that deplete connections.

The dynamism between Amoré The Songstress & Kolby Cordell in the release couldn’t be stronger as they work together to paint a portrait of romantic idealism over the wavy layers of soul-infused lush reverb. Amorousness oozes from every euphonic pore in this superlative Valentine’s Day hit; yet, the alchemic duo grounded Date Night in a sense of realism, ensuring that by the time the intro rolls around, you won’t be left with a wanton desire for unrealistic expectations.

Date Night debuted on January 26th; stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Supa Philly – PERCOLATE: A Retro RnB Revival with a Modern Heartbeat

Posted on 29 January 2024

Supa Philly, a band seasoned by decades of musical evolution, returned with their latest single, PERCOLATE, a track that masterfully interweaves the vibrant essence of ’80s synth-pop, funk, and disco into the fabric of R&B.

The song’s essence, deeply rooted in political inspiration, resonates with a message of love and unity, a beacon of hope in today’s fragmented world. Its lyrics, “Life is short… No more hate… Show your love… Percolate,” echo as a mantra for our times, urging listeners to embrace a brighter, more harmonious path.

Supa Philly’s rich heritage, having shared the limelight with legends like Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Monkees, infuses PERCOLATE with a depth and authenticity rarely found in modern music. The blend of experienced voices with fresh, dynamic tones creates a vocal synergy that is both stirring and soulful.

The honed songwriting chops lend a refined yet spirited character to the track as the production melds classic synth lines with contemporary rhythms, crafting a soundscape that is both nostalgically familiar and thrillingly new. The gospel-influenced backing vocals add a layer of majestic depth, reminiscent of the soulful echoes of R&B greats.

As we eagerly await their upcoming release, ANOTHER FOOL (On a Hill), it’s evident that Supa Philly continues to redefine the boundaries of music. This track is an essential listen for those seeking a rejuvenating musical experience and a reminder of the enduring power of unity and love.

Get into the groove with PERCOLATE via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nikki Hayes proves the power of vulnerability in her sensually captivating RnB evolution, SAFE

Posted on 17 December 2023

Nikki Hayes‘ latest RnB single, SAFE, showcases her unique ability to blend soulful vocals with a rich, resonant soundscape. It’s an aural revelation that resonates deeply with the listener, cutting to the core of the emotions it explores.

From the outset, SAFE captivates with its dreamy yet potent composition. The basslines, infused with a rich funk, provide a robust foundation that complements the ethereal quality of the track. This fusion of dreaminess with funk creates a soundscape that is both soothing and invigorating. The addition of blues-infused guitars adds another layer to the song, enhancing its emotional depth and complexity.

Hayes’ vocal performance is nothing short of enchanting. Her voice, both powerful and delicate, conveys a paradoxically beguiling sense of vulnerability and strength. The lyrics, which speak of finding safety in the arms of another in a chaotic world, are delivered with a sensuality and sincerity that is truly captivating.

Drawing inspiration from legends like Beyonce, Stevie Wonder, and Toni Braxton, Hayes has carved out a distinct sound that is both nostalgic and forward-thinking. Her journey from the basements of Chicago to collaborating with Grammy-winning artists is evident in the polished quality of SAFE. The track stands as a testament to her fearless work ethic, vocal finesse, and unwavering passion for music.

As she continues to evolve and captivate audiences with her unique sound, Nikki Hayes is undoubtedly an artist to watch.

SAFE was officially released on November 29. Stream it on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

East London RnB Luminary 8rii became the Queen of Headstrong Hedonism with ‘T.O.T.Y’

Posted on 27 November 2023

East London’s hottest independent RnB artist 8rii fuelled some fire into the genre with her latest single, T.O.T.Y, which fuses a gritty production with a solid backbeat to keep your rhythmic pules kicking and swathes of soul which spill from the earwormy vocal melodies.

Between encapsulating the East London attitude and searing her infectious sonic signature, 8rii ensured she established herself as one to watch with T.O.T.Y (the Time of the Year).

Since the age of 15, the songwriter has been crafting her own inexplicably fresh and fiery tunes, driven by a deep-rooted passion for music, showmanship, and the thrill of performance. So far, her discography is as versatile as they come. Whether she’s amping her audience up for a night of hedonism or setting the tone for introversion and self-care, her lyrical prowess always hits the mark while she tracks various eras of RnB.

After a whirlwind year, her latest single is set to close the year on a note as high as the track itself which captures the empowering liberation of embracing life’s journey and taking the rough with the smooth.

TOTY will be released on November 27, stream it on Spotify, and keep up to date with all new releases via Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nyasia Chane’l narrated a story of love and longing in her latest Neo-Hip-Hop-Soul release, Rain

Posted on 20 November 2023
Nyasia Chane'l

“Rain” by Nyasia Chane’l transcends your archetypal RnB track to narrate a profound lesson in seduction and soul. The trappy backbeat and tinges of 80s nostalgia create a beguiling blend of modern rhythmics and caressive old-school style as Chane’l’s honeyed vocal lines glide over the equally as smooth instrumental layers with a grace which is as powerful as it is tender to embody the track’s theme of deep, yearning lust.

Drawing inspiration from the likes of SWV, Ashanti, and New Edition, Nyasia has created a song that stands tall among classic elemental love songs. Co-written with the talents of Dajour Neufville and Jayson “J-Didda” Butler, “Rain” captures the essence of longing and connection in a way that feels both timeless and irresistibly new. It is guaranteed to strike a chord with anyone with a pulse and libido.

Nyasia Chane’l, with her multifaceted talents in singing, songwriting, and acting, emerges as an essential artist in today’s musical landscape. Her Neo-Hip-Hop Soul signature is one that any RnB fans will want perpetually etched in their memory.

Listen to Rain on Tidal and Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Specyal T pioneered nostalgia for her boundary-breaking boom-bap RnB pop track, Double Take

Posted on 6 September 2023

Canada’s hottest RnB artist, Specyal T, brought enough heat in her LP, Foresight, to start an inferno. The standout single, Double Take, runs through with funk-laced retro synths to carve the grooves and boom-bap beats to deliver rhythms that will intoxicate your rhythmic pulses.

With the fiery old school rap bars in the verses and lashings of luxe soul in the harmonised vocal lines, Specyal T ensured their seminal hit was dripping in dynamism to accentuate the pioneered and manicured nostalgia.

The Caribbean-Canadian artist splits her talents between her vocations as a pro musician, actor and executive; her multi-award-winning tracks have featured on several popular TV channels, and her hits have been heard on commercial radio stations across Europe and North America. After working its way into her boundary-pushing LP, Double Take will also feature in the soundtrack to the 2023 film Alarmed. 

Stream the Album Version of Double Take for yourselves by heading over to Soundcloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Phil Q left Earth’s orbit with the interstellar RnB single, Supernova

Posted on 24 April 2023

RnB innovator, Phil Q, went interstellar with his latest single, Supernova, which efficaciously added a new trajectory to the evolution of the genre through the scintillatingly contemporary production, the bluesy guitars, and the glisteningly spacey pop elements.

With the trap beats oozing as much sex appeal as the vocal lines and the lyrics, which roadmap the kind of carnal pleasure that is only in reach when you’re in the arms of someone you love, consider Supernova as the ultimate aural aphrodisiac and affirmation that Phil Q is definitively one to watch.

Supernova is the title single from the Bay Area singer-songwriter and producer’s latest EP, which any RnB fan will want to devour completely after the lead single gives you a taste of his meta ingenuity.

Supernova was officially released on April 14. Catch it on Spotify

Review by Amelia Vandergast

ANGELCONCEPCION is emboldeningly iconic in her RnB Soul instant classic, Like I Was

Posted on 9 March 2023

Here to take to the sting out of retrospective romantic regret is the emboldening RnB icon, ANGELCONCEPCION, with her latest single, Like I Was.

The lyrics may not explicitly verse that deceit and someone degrading you to drag you down to their lowly levels happens to the best of us, but given the elegance and grace of every inch of this elevated instant classic, it’s heavily implied through ANGELCONCEPCION’s heavenly vocal beguile.

Fusing a modernist tonal palette while pulling at the roots of RnB and soul allowed the Philadelphia-residing Filipino artist to reach the crux of the contemporary curve before transcending it through her effortlessly flawless energy. The bluesy guitars shimmering behind the lush reverb is a lesson in aural intoxication. Grab a glass and get your fill.

Like I Was dropped on March 1st; hear it on SoundCloud.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Grammy-Nominated Frank Swisher is on Euphoric Form in His Contemporary RnB Single, ItDontGetNoBetta ft Corio

Posted on 13 January 2023
Frank Swisher

For his seminal single, ItDontGetNoBetta, the SWILLA-signed artist, Frank Swisher, teamed up with Corio to create a gratitude-encompassing feat of RnB soul that pays homage to the unparalleled feeling of losing yourself completely in the sanctity of another.

If those three little words don’t feel enough, send your main squeeze this lusciously fresh hit their way to allude to how deep your feelings run. It’s Shakespeare for the modern era, with sublimely smooth melodies to boot.

After garnering hype as a rising artist in the hip-hop world, Swisher set his sights on the contemporary RnB scene; based on the impassioned euphoria within ItDontGetNoBetta, the Ohio-born and raised artist may just be in the running for another Grammy nomination.

ItDontGetNoBetta will officially drop on January 13th. Catch it on Spotify.

Follow Frank Swisher on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

NALLA is liberatingly demure in her orchestrally originated alt RnB Single, Sidechick

Posted on 10 January 2023

There are few things in this life as bitter-sweet as concluding that you’re a sidepiece for someone you have fallen wholeheartedly for, which NALLA demurely explores in her latest single, Sidechick.

The smoky R&B single pays homage to the roots of the genre while replanting them through a fresh futuristic vision that resounds through the distorted vocals in the intro and the glitchy rhythm of the beats that allow the sensually convictive single to veer into the trip-hop arena.

If any single is going to compel you to stand by your convictions and muster enough self-esteem to walk away from an unworthy lothario who probably needs to spend thousands in therapy before he works through his inability to commit, it’s this orchestrally scored masterpiece.

Sidechick is now available to stream via Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast