Winter R&B Rundown

When the weather here in NYC turns cold, my taste in music changes. Usually during the colder months I tend to listen to more R&B, soul, alternative. I don't know what it is about the change of seasons that sparks this switchup (probably seasonal depression lol!), but the tone of those genres tend to fit my winter moods better. So I decided to give y'all a little rundown of what I've had in rotation lately:

Jacquees: 4275: With all of the drama surrounding the cover of Ella Mae's "Trip" I'm sure in the past few months y'all have become more familiar with Jacquees. Cash Money Records signee and Birdman protege, Jacquees is bringing real R&B back. 4275 was released back in June (bonus version dropped in September) and since then he's released a few other projects, but this one has been my favorite. To me, this album felt like something we would've heard from the likes of Dru Hill, 112, or Jagged Edge (who is actually featured on it). The whole album is fire, but these are my go-to's:

#4: "23" (prod. by Donnell Jones)

#5: "B.E.D." (Avant "Read Your Mind" reference)

#6: "Studio" (feat. Young Thug)

#7: "Beauty Doesn't Cry" (feels like a Dru Hill Track)

#8: "No Validation"

#9: "Inside" (feat. Trey Songz)

#10: "London"

#18: "You" (Bonus track)

If 4275 is too slow for you, then my next recommendation might fit your tastes better with a more uptempo vibe.

Kodie Shane: Young HeartThrob: While digging through Tidal's Suggested New Releases, I stumbled upon Kodie's new (debut) album. Since then it's been on repeat. Kodie first gained recognition as the first lady of Lil Yachty's collective known as The Sailing Team. I was lucky enough to be invited by Tidal to attend her album release here in NYC. It was an intimate event where she performed the album in its entirety alongside a gnarly guitarist & drummer. Kodie's got a jiggy vibe & does a great job of mixing mumble rap with breathy harmonies. The whole album is a great play through, but these are my go-to tracks:

#3: "High Speeds" (single)

#5: "Pulling Up"

#10: "Shut Up"

#11: "End Like That"

#12: "Sing To Her"

#13: "Flex On Me"

#7: "Hiatus"

And if neither of these albums tickles your fancy then I've got one more for y'all.

JMSN: Velvet: I became familiar with JMSN back in 2012 with his Priscilla project (which is incredible and also worth a listen). His music runs along the lines of Electropop/Alternative R&B/Soul & Funk, the great thing about him is that his sound is ever-changing, no two albums sound alike. I loved this album because it felt like something my parents would listen to; it has a very 70's funk vibe to it. These are my go-to's:

#3. "Talk Is Cheap"

#5. "Inferno"

#7. "Real Thing" (2nd FAVE)

#8. "Explicit"

#9. "So Badly"

#13. "Sunshine" (FAVE)

2018 brought us A LOT of good music, but I've been pleasantly surprised to see a major R&B comeback. We've gotten some substantial releases in the genre, and for someone who grew up with early 90's & 00's R&B, I'm proud to say I'm pleased.

I've attached the link to a full playlist of my current favorites! Check it out! (available on Tidal and Apple Music)

Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/profile/Sunshinesmith

Tidal: see below

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