Have you heard of the “big dick energy” meme? It started with Ariana Grande and Pete Davidson of SNL’s budding relationship. Davidson, for the uninitiated, exudes a confident, cool energy and the feeling that he definitely can put in work. Audley’s Pink blends 90’s R&B and hip-hop instrumentals with emotional vocals that sway between rap and impassioned crooning. In other words, Pink exudes big dick energy. Honey, this is baby making music.
Most of Pink is a relatively slow-paced collection of songs that give off an extremely chill vibe. As far as lyrical content, Audley mostly sticks to the a classic R&B formula of singing professions of what the night holds for a nameless “baby/girl.” Audley’s brand of R&B/hip-hop sets itself apart by juxtaposing the classic R&B lyrics with acid jazz beats and sonic experimentation; like the synth pattern that turns “Hit That Line” from a low key slow jam into a thoroughly modern hip-hop hit.
Pink is more than an updated take on R&B, Audley also shows off his rapping chops on halfway through the project on “Cathedral.” The most upbeat song on the album, “Cathedral” is the bop of the tracklist. The fast paced delivery, a la noted Audley influence Outkast, sets the track apart as a memorable single, yet fits seamlessly with the aesthetic of the rest of the album.
On the other end of the hip-hop/R&B spectrum, “Sleep Alone” is the song to lay it down to. Complete with cascading chimes, soaring, rich vocals and lyrics that will make you blush, it’s definitely a song to put on ya nasty playlist.
Pink, released earlier this year and reissued on vinyl for Soul Step Records this past Friday, is sure to heat up your summer just a little more. Be sure to check it out on Spotify, Soundcloud, or pick up a physical copy here
For Fans Of: Jamiroquai, Chance the Rapper’s 2nd album, God- making love, honey!
Our Take: Velvet vocals, R&B through a new lens, memorable staccato raps, undeniable grooves
Comments