Open (Remix)

If you didn’t know by now, I’m an R&B thug! Yeah, I admit it.  Don’t get me wrong, I love a multitude of genres in the music sphere (Hip-Hop, Jazz, Pop and everything else in between).  It’s just that soulful sounds have the uncanny ability to take me into a higher dimension filled with colorful ideas. Shit, I don’t even really listen to rap while I’m working out. A sentimental R&B jam invigorates me harder than, let’s say, a boisterous DMX banger, because all I’m thinking about is…*clears throat * (nah, mean). Such a beautiful juxtaposition right?

In any case, one of my favorite smooth cuts right now comes from a rising singer based in Toronto named Dylan Sinclair. The talented 21-year-old newcomer linked up with fellow Spotify 2023 R&B Artists To Watch crooners Destin Conrad & JVCK JAMES to deliver a head-bobbing remix for his standout single “Open,” which is found on Sinclair’s breakout EP, No Longer In The Suburbs (Deluxe).

“This new ‘Open’ remix for me was about collaborating with two of my favorite up-and-coming artists who inspire me,” says Dylan in an interview with Rated R&B. “Destin being from LA and Jack being from London, this track is just about having fun and making something that gets people moving.”

Check out the groovy chune’s The Fang Group-directed music video below. And if you like what you heard, make sure to check out Dylan’s commendable discography.

So Bad

Valentine’s Day is less than a month away and I know a lot of you are dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on your romantic plans. If for some odd reason the playlist for y’all *clears throat* make-out sesh isn’t complete, allow me to suggest a tune that’ll enhance the mood for such intimate experience.

Aptly titled, “So Bad,” by multi-talented musician St. Panther, the song is dedicated to the lovers who cannot go one day without seeing each other. No cap, that was the case for me and my first love. I saw her every…single…day during the summer we first met (honeymoon phase much?).

There’s not much to say about this song because its heavenly vibes are so profound.  St. Panther, whose real name is Daniela Bojorges-Giraldo, showcases her hypnotic, soulful tone over an equally captivating beat which provides all of the feels.

Indulge below:

Kareem's Pick: Ravyn Lenae

Ravyn Lenae is doing R&B in her own way.  The Chicago-based songstress just released her EP, Crush, earlier this year.  The project consists of five songs, all produced by Steve Lacy.  Its lead single, "Sticky," is a bonafide hit that sticks like grits!

The tune is about a love that seems to be ending shortly.  Ravyn is pleading for her lover to do his part in the relationship.  The visual for the track involves vibrant colors and features the soulful singer grooving to the track while the camera circles around her.

Check out the Weird Life-directed clip below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire