Browsing Tag

Frank Ocean

‘Fury’ – Alex Omen’s Neon-Bathed Lament Burns Bright and Bleeds Deep

Some artists write about heartbreak, but Alex Omen pulls you straight into the wreckage. The Columbus-based singer-songwriter has been making waves since 2018, filtering his emotionally raw lyricism through genre-bending lenses that blur the lines between modern hip-hop and RnB. Drawing from the atmospheric depths of The Weeknd, the sonic unpredictability of Travis Scott, and the soul-searching artistry of Frank Ocean, Omen pulls listeners into his world, one aching note at a time.

With his latest single, Fury, you don’t need to take the wheel for the sensation of late-night cruising through a haze of light trails. The neon-lit synth lines carve out a black-lit kaleidoscope of sound, while Omen’s melodically melancholic vocals ensure every syllable lands with intent. As heartbreak bleeds through the reverb-laden crescendos, the track shifts from introspective pensiveness to something far bigger—an all-encompassing sonic storm where pain and passion collide.

Few artists can make a song as sonically rich as Fury without losing its emotional gut-punch, but Omen delivers every second with an intensity that lingers. The way he alludes to heartbreak’s unpredictable emotional spectrum makes it impossible to let his name slip from memory.

Fury is now available to stream on all major platforms, including YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Aaron Hines’ ‘Get Into It’: A Healing RnB Hymn for Scarred Hearts

With Get Into It, singer-songwriter Aaron Hines effortlessly solidifies his place in RnB’s hall of fame, delivering a track that’s as emotionally restorative as it is irresistibly melodic. Hailing from Charleston, South Carolina, Hines has already proven his dynamism as a singer, songwriter, and musician by arresting audiences on Season 21 of The Voice and lending his vocal talents to Grammy-nominated artist Blxst’s single Child of God in 2023. Now, with his latest single, he’s pushing the genre’s boundaries even further.

Get Into It strikes a perfect balance between commercial accessibility and heartfelt intimacy. The honeyed harmonies of Hines’ soulful vocals cascade into a euphonically hazy production where delay-soaked guitars gently pull the melody into focus. It’s a sound designed to stay with you long after the first listen—unapologetically smooth yet brimming with sincerity.

Lyrically, Hines offers an emotional sanctuary for anyone who’s endured toxic relationship dynamics, projecting a hopeful light at the end of even the darkest tunnels. Lines soaked in heartfelt honesty make this track as much about emotional catharsis as it is about musical pleasure.

Soul flows by the smorgasbord, and his sheer talent is undeniable. As he continues expanding his artistic reach with projects like his upcoming appearance on the TV show Collab, Hines is one to watch.

Stream Get Into It on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Textural transcendence meets confessional candour in Jay Ledger’s RnB meditation on heartbreak, ‘I don’t get it’

Jay Ledger’s new single, ‘I Don’t Get It’, shares a few pages from Frank Ocean’s songbook, but there’s no denying that the independent up-and-coming artist holds a heavy arsenal of authenticity within his sonic signature. The track is sensually sublime to the point of ethereal transcendence; his hypnotic command over texture and timing ensures it is all too easy to meditate on his outpour of vulnerable lyricism. Intimacy resounds through every progression in this broken-hearted soulful account of dejection, which resonates with a gorgeous sense of raw honesty.

With over 5,000 monthly listeners behind him, Jay Ledger is well on his way to becoming a revered RnB icon and placed on a pedestal with his influences, Chris Brown and Tory Lanez.

He has moved from strength to seductive strength since his 2022 debut single, ‘Just Wanna Love You’; in 2025, it is impossible not to sink into the warm, melancholic waves of his sonic craftsmanship. For fans of luxuriant tones and unguarded confessions, ‘I Don’t Get It’ is a blissful reminder of how RnB can be a conduit for private admissions and public compassion.

Stream I don’t get it with the B-side single, Hit my phone, on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Jodré painted emotional horizons in his lush duality charting RnB single, Leave

Based in London and backed by Aether Records, the Portuguese-Angolan artist Jodré delivered a rare RnB ballad that efficaciously navigates the complexities of a bittersweet breakup aftermath with unwavering realism in his latest single, Leave.

By capturing the dualism between fondness and agony and using sublime melodies and haunting harmonies, the young prodigy created a lush fusion of sound and colour. As his soulfully iridescent voice transforms every lyric into a vivid emotional tableau, listeners are invited to visualise the depths of his introspection. The track balances playful melodies with punchy, thought-provoking lyrics, embodying odysseys of growth and self-discovery diehard romantics are destined to chart.

Influenced by the likes of Daniel Caesar, Brent Faiyaz, and Frank Ocean, Jodré fuses elements of faith, existence, and the divine with the rawness of human experience. This unique combination results in a mellow yet reflective sound that offers an ethereal perspective on love, mental health, and personal duality.

Leave was officially released on November 29; stream the single on Spotify now.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Trevon Lorenz – 7 Cities: A New Vanguard in RnB

Trevon Lorenz

Trevon Lorenz’s latest single, 7 Cities, revolutionises the RnB and hip-hop intersection with its sophisticated synthesis of soulful melodies and sharp hip-hop beats.

As the track unfolds, Lorenz lays down a dreamy, reverb-heavy soundscape that swells with lush, airy harmonies, showcasing his capability to blend genres with authority. It’s more than a stellar track, it’s a sign we’re arriving at a new epoch of genre fusion where the intensity of hip-hop can live harmoniously with the smooth soul of modern RnB.

7 Cities defies expectations within its brief runtime, especially with a middle eight that introduces an innovative twist, demonstrating Lorenz’s creative acumen. The track concludes with a flair of semi-lucid innovation, reminiscent of a distorted tape winding down, leaving listeners in a reflective trance.

Inspired by a diverse range of icons, from the fashion genius of Virgil Abloh and Yohji Yamamoto to musical pioneers like Kanye West and Pharrell Williams, Lorenz’s music is a testament to his dedication to pushing sonic boundaries.

7 Cities will hit the airwaves on September 27; pre-save the single on Spotify & Apple Music via this link.

Follow Trevon Lorenz on Instagram to stay up to date with future releases.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Spotlight Feature: ELZON broadened the alt-RnB hip-hop horizon with his psychedelic trip of a hit, ‘expensive dreams’

ELZON redefined the boundaries of alt-RnB and hip-hop with his latest single, expensive dreams. The London-based artist, known for his rich cultural background and boundary-pushing music, delivered a scintillatingly serene installation of hypnotic innovation which begins with a visionary overture that lures listeners into transcendence, where dreamy 8-bit tones meld seamlessly with cloud rap influences.

The track is a kaleidoscope of cultivation, opening a portal to unrestrained artistic expression. As the song progresses, it builds towards a mesmerising mid-section, characterised by ethereal falsettos reminiscent of The Weeknd’s early work. This shift in tone, akin to a record player hitting play on a fresh LP, elevates the track into a crescendo that injects subtle intensity and speaks of ELZON’s status as a revered pioneer who is well on his way to becoming a viral sensation.

Produced between London and Manchester, with the signature touches of Elliot Taylor and Blamebrazy, expensive dreams is a testament to ELZON’s relentless pursuit of pushing leftfield sounds into the mainstream.

ELZON describes the track as a “psychedelically experimental rap/RnB track inspired by Frank Ocean and Lucki, featuring cloud rap-influenced instrumentals and Blond-esque pitched vocals”. This fusion creates a lush soundscape of surreal serenity that speaks to the senses louder with every listen.

ELZON’s journey from his early days making music in his bedroom to collaborating with Grammy-nominated producers attests to his talent and dedication, which the airwaves will see more of later this year when he unleashes his art PUNK mixtape.

Stream expensive dreams on Spotify, and follow ELZON on Instagram.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Ethan Martin created an open line of communication with passion in his latest dreamy RnB single, Okay, Love

Ethan Martin’s latest single, ‘Okay, Love’, is a soulfully realistic exploration of love’s complexities. This Las Vegas-based R&B artist, reminiscent of Daniel Caesar and Frank Ocean, delved into the intricate emotions of love, fear, and vulnerability in a way that deeply resonates.

The track is a masterful blend of soothing vocals and stirringly ethereal instrumentals, showcasing Martin’s skill in self-producing, mixing, and mastering his work. His unique style draws you into a world where love’s idyllic image is gently unravelled to reveal its more profound, often challenging reality.

‘Okay, Love’ navigates the nuanced terrains of the heart with a rare authenticity. The bassline pulsates through the song, setting a rhythm that complements the dual vocals. These elements together create a dynamic soundscape that reflects the song’s thematic exploration of love’s dual nature – its joys and fears, its light and shadows.

Martin’s lyrical ability is a highlight of the track as he speaks to those who feel the scars of previous relationships, are haunted by their anxious attachments, or simply feel the dread of loss when falling into the arms of another.

As Ethan Martin continues to attract a dedicated fanbase, ‘Okay, Love’ stands as a powerful example of his artistry. For those yet to discover his music, ‘Okay, Love’ is the perfect introduction to Ethan Martin’s world – a world where the soul’s deepest echoes are beautifully brought to life.

Okay, Love will drop on January 26. Stream the single on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Nick O charted new horizons with his debut rap track, Be There for Me  

Nick O, Surrey’s latest hip hop sensation, has unleashed a musical tour de force with his debut single, Be There for Me. The vibrant tapestry of sound, woven with the lyrical dexterity reminiscent of George the Poet and infused with a soulful essence, beats to the pulse of East Coast hip-hop while asserting Nick O as an orchestrator of originality.

From the first beat, the track sinks the listener into a  blend of modern storytelling and nostalgic 90’s soul. Nick O’s influences, ranging from the lyrical genius of Kanye West and Andre 3000 to the emotive melodies of Frank Ocean and Sampha, are intricately interlaced. His rhythmically flawless canter dances over the beats, painting vivid pictures of his inner world – a world filled with contrasts, from the peaks of joy to the valleys of introspection.

The ethereal female backing vocals in the track create a hypnotic juxtaposition, a delicate balance that complements Nick O’s robust and confident delivery. This unique combination sets Be There for Me apart, making it one of the most compelling hip-hop debuts of 2023. As we look towards 2024, it’s clear that Nick O is not just a rising star – he’s a force poised to take dominion over the UK hip-hop industry.

Stream Be There for Me on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Can’t Promise You That: Alex Omen regrets that he couldn’t be the one on Let You Down

Feeling so much sadness and massive regret for something mentally deep that had to end, Alex Omen tells us about a sad story that millions will relate to in this romantically strained world, Let You Down.

Alex Omen is an alternative RnB and hip-hop artist who brings so much true love and care into each one of his carefully layered tracks.

Blurring the line between modern hip-hop and soothing R&B, his songs are uplifting with a sense of melancholy. Omen names The Weeknd, Travis Scott and Frank Ocean as his major influences.” ~ Alex Omen

Spectacular in nature and sending our spirits into a rather revealing universe, Alex Omen has projected an enlightening story in the best possible fashion. Gosh, the vocals are rather dreamy here. Each note is crisp and rather special, on a planet where true romance is so rare to find.

Let You Down from alternative RnB and hip-hop artist Alex Omen sends us all into a harrowing former love picture which has sadly cracked through the sands of time. Taking us into a movie-like story and sending us shivers of details which will flood many memories like a blocked drain, to wash our tears and show us what it feels like when two hearts are shattered.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

The RnB-inclined fusionist, KaEl has released his alchemically intimate single, LondonTowne

‘LondonTowne’ is the standout seminal release from the RnB-inclined genre alchemist, KaEl. At the start of his career, the Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter committed to expressing his life, epiphanies, and afflictions through his music; he definitely came through in LondonTowne.

The low honeyed bass guitar and soft bluesy electric guitars create a stunning dynamic to the instrumentals that mellifluously flow under KaEl’s passionately demure classic-style RnB vocals. Any fans of Prince, Frank Ocean, Ye and Tyler, The Creator won’t want to miss out on this euphonically unforgettable release.

The official music video for LondonTowne is available to stream via YouTube.

Review by Amelia Vandergast