PLAYDATE. Picks R&B (with sweetestRNB)
You commented songs, we listened to them. Here are 5 songs and artists that stood out to us in this round of "PLAYDATE. Picks,” a series that appears on the our Instagram once a week. If you commented on the post and aren't on this list, continue submitting, you never know what next week will bring. Follow PLAYDATE. & sweetestRNB on Instagram to stay up to date.
“Brave Is Better” - SAFA
Virginia native SAFA possesses all the qualities of an emerging R&B sensation. With her sultry vocals and enticing lyrics that draw you in from the opening note to the final chord, SAFA crafts music tailor-made for romantics. In her latest single, “Brave Is Better,” the singer-songwriter effortlessly glides over a groovy production, seamlessly weaving in and out of pockets and cadences. Her dexterity in exploring inventive and playful ways to ride the beat stands as one of her most formidable strengths, promising a bright future in R&B.
- Chey
2. “Over Again” by LÉA THE LEOX
LÉA THE LEOX was born and raised in Brockton, MA, and carries her hometown’s rich cultural tapestry within her music. Tinges of folk and pop are meticulously baked in her warm sonics and “Over Again,” a standout from her May EP Purpose, is a perfect display of all these elements. On the record, the singer candidly takes listeners on the journey of an ill-fated relationship and we’ve all been there before so the lyrics really speak to the soul. LÉA THE LEOX is undoubtedly an artist to watch and we’re excited to witness her star continue to rise.
- Chey
3. “Under the Cover” by Jol!e
Even with only one song released, the talent of Jol!e is immediately visible. Hailing from Guangzhou, China, the rising artist utilizes a mesmerizing fusion of R&B, neo-soul, and soul, skillfully blending influences from icons like Eryka Badu, Snoh Aalegra, and Jill Scott. Her song “Under the Cover” features sonic elements that derive from the music of East Asia, adding to the overall authenticity to her debut track and artist project as a whole. As Jol!e continues to drop more listeners, expect her to continue offering listeners a refreshed, soothing auditory experience that's nothing short of remarkable.
4. “screensaver” by Denyah
LA-based “pastel R&B” artist Denyah is best known for her dreamy electronic-pop-R&B sound and her colorful visuals (which she directs herself). Denyah’s debut album, PLAY.PRETEND, which dropped on September 8, 2023, showcases the enigmatic artist’s experimental, danceable sound and aptitude for world-building. One of my favorite tracks from the project is “screensaver,” which Denyah released in collaboration with New York artist AJRadico. “screensaver” possesses the same smooth vocals and bursting-with-character lyricism that we’ve come to expect from a Denyah track, but with slightly more minimalistic production than the rest of the tracks on the album. “screensaver,” with its timeless groove, layered harmonies, and thoughtful songwriting, showcases a level of versatility from the rising artist that makes the bright, imaginative world of PLAY.PRETEND even more undeniable.
5. “slow it down” by D’mari Harris
After seeing D’Mari Harris come out for a few songs for redveil last summer at the Roxy in LA, I knew he was destined for greatness. D’Mari’s creativity and versatility are helping him set apart from the rest. Every release makes you anticipate a new sound and progressiveness that can be compared to the innovation of Teezo Touchdown. His soft vocals will have you listening to his art realizing it gets better overtime. His latest release “slow it down” is no different. Contrary to the song name, this track is a faster pace then D’Mari usually showcases and it does not disappoint. This track teleports you to a tropical island and immediately puts you into a good mood. We are so excited to see what is in store for Harris and we hope he continues to break musical bounds with his one-of-a-kind sound.