Music

Chloe Bailey, “I’m More Than Just R&B – It’s Time to Break the Genre Mold!”

Chloe Bailey has been a star for most of her life. Breaking out as half of the duo Chloe x Halle in 2016, she achieved major success alongside her sister before going solo in 2021. Her debut album garnered praise from fans and critics alike for its musical ambition and eclectic blend of sounds. Despite her efforts to defy easy categorization with her art, Bailey finds herself repeatedly tagged with the label of R&B. She discussed this frustrating situation during a recent interview with Nylon.

Bailey explained that her R&B categorization stems from the color of her skin, not her sound. “Any music I do will easily and quickly be categorized as R&B because I’m a Black woman,” she noted. “If someone who didn’t have my skin tone made the same music, it would be in the pop categories. That’s just the way it’s always been in life.” As Bailey has grown older, her desire to break out of genre constraints has intensified. While she has found chart success, she is now seeking artistic success on her own terms. Bailey cited two singers who managed to shed the R&B label, one of whom is her mentor.

Chloe Bailey admired Beyoncé’s album “Cowboy Carter.” Having signed to the icon’s label in 2016, Bailey had a front-row seat to Beyoncé’s genre experimentation. “I was really proud of Beyoncé doing ‘Cowboy Carter’,” she asserted. “Because Black people originated country music. It’s just showing that possibilities are endless.” Bailey also mentioned Whitney Houston as a Black, female singer who proved that true crossover success is attainable.

However, Bailey isn’t aiming for Houston’s pop or Beyoncé’s country on her new album. She told Nylon that she’s carving out her own genre and musical path, inspired by the sounds of the Caribbean. The outlet cites “calypso, gospel, Afrobeats, and Carnival band music” as influences on her upcoming album, “Trouble In Paradise.” Bailey agreed, describing an overarching theme for the album as “[a] coming-of-age celebration of being a woman and having fun. Not taking life too seriously.” We can’t wait to hear it.

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Artist Spotlight

Janiq’s ‘Dior’ Brings Smooth Vibes and Unmistakable Swagger

Janiq‘s latest single, “Dior,” showcases a masterful blend of confidence and smooth sonic energy, drawing listeners into a realm of auditory luxury. The track encapsulates the essence of an upscale nightlife experience, characterized by a polished production that features a captivating amalgamation of rhythmic elements and melodic lines.

The instrumental backbone of “Dior” is driven by a moody, laid-back arrangement, fusing soft keyboard textures, a robust bassline, and precision-engineered percussion. The production quality is pristine, allowing each sonic layer to breathe while providing ample space for Janiq’s vocal articulation to shine. His delivery is characterized by a sophisticated execution that effortlessly transitions between melodic verses and infectious hooks, creating a seamless listening experience.

Janiq encapsulates themes of luxury and self-assuredness, utilizing imagery that bridges high-end aspirations with relatable experiences. His lyrical narrative evokes a sense of ambition and swagger, resonating with listeners drawn to the excitement of dressing up and stepping out into the night. Each line is crafted to elevate both the artist’s and the listener’s confidence.

“Dior” serves as an ideal auditory backdrop for moments of self-expression and stylish escapades. Janiq’s recent release encapsulates embracing personal confidence, reveling in life’s finer moments, and immersing oneself in the music’s intoxicating vibe. With its smooth vocal delivery and undeniable groove, “Dior” is poised to be a repeat favorite, prompting listeners to elevate their volume and fully engage with the experience.

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Music

Trav Torch’s ‘She’s Calling Me’ Delivers a Midnight Groove You Won’t Forget

Trav Torch is again with any other sultry R&B anthem, and this time, it’s given late-night time cravings written all over it. “She’s Calling Me” is a clean, contemporary, sluggish jam that draws you in from the very first note. With Trav’s signature velvet vocals paired over a lush, overdue-night-time beat, this tune is crafted to seduce the ears and ignite the senses.

The track kicks off with moody, sensual synths and an unmistakable bassline that sets the suitable environment. Trav Torch’s vocal presence is simple—every word and sigh includes an intimate one that feels extraordinarily private. Lyrically, he faucets into the familiar push-and-pull of choice and temptation, painting a story as relatable as it is interesting. The manufacturing shines in its simplicity, leaving lots of room for Trav’s voice to carry the burden of the narrative.

“She’s Calling Me” captures that unique combo of nostalgia and new-age R&B—a song that feels as excellent to bop slowly to as it does on a solo force through the city. There’s heat, enveloping nice to the manufacturing that makes you want to position this on repeat, particularly in the vulnerable hours of the night.

Trav Torch has continually had a knack for capturing the romantic and the raw, and “She’s Calling Me” is no exception.