Soulection got another one.

Although I didn’t post the day it dropped (July 16), I must say Phabo‘s Soulquarius album is easily my favorite release of the last week.

On repeat since I first pressed play, the album is a nod to the Soulquarians (a neo-soul collective from the 90s and early 00s that included Erykah Badu, Common, D’Angelo, Q-Tip, Dilla, Questlove, and others) with Phabo modernizing the best parts of 2000s R&B – the candor of Case, the sensuality of Tyrese, and the edge of Jaheim (which Kristin Corry perfectly described in a profile piece she did with VICE) – as he sings of love, lust, musings, heartbreak, passion, and more.

“It’s an honest conversation about moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome and using L.A’s beautiful weather as a reminder that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be,” the singer explains. “An ode to the golden era of Bad Boy (112, Faith Evans, Total). Palm trees brings about a strong sense of nostalgia, packed with a strong message.”

A 16-track affair, led by the previously released “LNF” and “Slippery” with Destin Conrad, the album is short on guest features (Rexx Life Raj, Mntra, and Alex Vaughn) as it allows Phabo to show off the full extent of his talents – which far surpass the writing credits he’s earned for artists like Kehlani and Kyle Dion. On the production side of things, credit goes to LosHendrix (SZA, Giveon, Childish Gambino), Louie Lastic (Goldlink, Masego, Kali Uchis), Esta. and a few others.

Press play and be sure to add Soulquarius wherever you get music.

Phabo’s Intoxicating ‘Soulquarius’ Album is Not to Be Slept On was last modified: July 19th, 2021 by Shake