“Masego” by Masego

An invigorating, distinctive new R&B voice you need to hear.

Hello! 😊👋

Welcome to a new edition of the Daily Music Picks newsletter!

Today’s music pick is an eclectic, invigorating release from one of the most exciting new voices in R&B.

Genre: R&B, Soul, Jazz

Label: Capitol Records

Release Date: March 3, 2023

Vibe: 🌇

Okay, so here’s the thing: About a minute into this album, I thought I was going to dislike it immensely. Suffice it to say there’s a “Cha-Cha Slide” interpolation on the first track that made my eyes roll so far back into my head I was afraid I wasn’t going to recover.

However, I’m thrilled to report that the rest of the record is outstanding and totally worth your time. Micah Davis, the Jamaican-American force of nature at its center, blends a wide range of black music styles and touchstones to create an atmosphere that’s familiar without being predictable, weird without being off-putting, and earnest without veering into schmaltzy territory. For those unfamiliar with his past work, like I was, this will undoubtedly be a popular and signature record for him.

Under the umbrella of Masego’s overall vibe, there’s a little something for everyone. The neo-soul cut “What You Wanna Try” and “Two Sides (I’m So Gemini)” would’ve been right at home on an Erykah Badu or D’Angelo release, while “Remembering Sundays” places the singer’s crooning delivery high atop a thick, rolling trap beat. There’s even a nod to amapiano on “Say You Want Me,” which sees Davis romancing the apple of his eye with a cool, confident swagger befitting a considerable talent coming into his own. All told it’s one of the strongest R&B records I’ve heard this year.

👉 Don’t forget to click the album image to stream the album on your favorite platform 👈

Got thoughts on this album? Did you love it? Sound off in the comments.