As social media exploded with the debate over who the current “King Of Rnb” is, I found myself stuck trying to come up with a few names I truly stand behind and who are really pushing boundaries within the sphere of RnB. I did think of a few names, but in the end,I came to the conclusion that the bar has fallen for men in RnB in recent times. As I flipped through my library, my mind continuously gravitated to the plethora of women pushing out some of the dopest RnB. The “King” talk seems to be obsolete right now, because there is a wave of women that should not be ignored. The discussion should be had on the Queens.
While the list of Rnb songstresses is long and extensive, as the playlist is, a name I kept going back to was Ravyn Lenae. Music and creation is never a race nor contest, but Lenae and the way she explores her sound and takes it to new terrain would cause one to claim her as leading the pack of the new wave of artists.
Coming from Chicago with her unique sound, and teaming up with the West Coast grooves and funk produced by Steve Lacy, created a wonderful world of genre crossing and bending that made for some of the best sounds of 2018. The RnB produced on Crush was so good that it gained the attention of Jay and Beyonce; they even placed “Closer (Ode 2 U)” on their anniversary playlist. Not saying that another person's preference and taste should sway you to listen, but I’d say those two have a pretty exquisite ear when it comes to good music. While I choose to shine the spotlight on her feverish, groovy, and sultry “Closer (Ode 2 U)” I absolutely recommend the entirety of Crush. Ravyn Lenae is trailblazing her way to the throne and I’m here, ears wide open.
You can learn more about Ravyn Lenae here:
About The Curator - KA II
I was raised in a community that believes in and practices the act of love, spirituality, understanding, and openness. These beliefs and practices are my foundation in this life and continue to drive my pursuit of knowledge, wisdom, and freedom. I also come from a place where the gift of rhythm and movement are interwoven into each other and into the fabric of life. It is never one without the other.
Music and Dance are not just things we do and enjoy. They are a necessity. In times of joy we dance, in times of triumph we turn the music up a little louder, in times of stress and unbalance we close our eyes and dance. It is how we feel our emotions and what ignites our creativity, intellectual abilities, and the way we see the world. Without the two, life would have no color, art, love, or culture.
Music and movement have always been the guiding light of creativity and the master teacher, therefore I aim to share how they elevate my mind, heart, and soul to think wider and to think with compassion, wit, and intellect. I hope you enjoy the content. Peace
