Luke James

Luke James is a true artist - he really does it all. James is one of those people that could pick up any discipline, from watercolor painting to kung-fu, and within a few months become a revelatory talent. So it should come as no surprise that his music is just outstanding. Dripping with R&B and Soul influences while pushing the genre forward with interesting and daring production choices, listening to James’ music is like watching a professional stunt person. While we watch in awe as he performs one incredible maneuver after another. There are times we have no clue how he he’ll pull it off, but James lands gracefully on his feet at every turn. His soaring and dynamic voice feels as much at home serenading us as it does in his Prince-like improvisation. More than anything, James’ music is about freedom and flexibility. The journey he’s been on to break free of the traditional music making experience has led to an artist that is fully unrestrained, but entirely in-control. Each track is powerful, daring, and adventurous, but at no point does James ever seem overwhelmed by the freedom in which he operates.

This week, on Quintessential Tea - Fall Edition, we feature the track “all of your love” from his 2021 album to feel love/d. Absolutely saturated in low-fi 80’s vibes and dripping with sex appeal and sensuality, the effortlessly cool James once again gives us a thrilling example of what the new generation of R&B and Soul can do. If you’re a fan of Black Tea - Luke James is absolutely essential listening.

Charlotte Day Wilson

Charlotte Day Wilson’s voice is powerful. Not powerful with a bunch of superficial adjectives - but outright sonic power. This is a voice that, if she wanted, could level cities and clear clouds from the sky. But she doesn’t (always), and instead uses her incredible voice in service of her own songs. A truly gifted songwriter, Day Wilson’s lyrics are filled with vulnerable, intimate, and haunting moments. The rawness and tenderness of her lyrics are almost at odds with her dynamic vocals, it’s like watching a giant gently pet a kitten. But Day Wilson melds them perfectly along with her R&B, Gospel, and Soul influences. Be warned, when you listen to Charlotte Day Wilson’s music, you might want to hold on to something sturdy - because you will assuredly be floored by what you’re hearing.

A Toronto native, Day Wilson grew up studying classical piano before teaching herself how to record and produce. Her first album, 2021’s ALPHA, features a variety of collaborators including BADBADNOTGOOD on this weeks featured track “I Can Only Whisper”. BADBADNOTGOOD’s late night groovy vibes set a stunning scene for Day Wilson to ruminate on a lost love, and all the hurt and pain that comes with it.

Jon Vinyl

Our past relationships don’t define us. Untangling ourselves from lives and loves long past is an excruciatingly difficult and vulnerable process. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. Jon Vinyl knows this. He wants you to know it too. His dreamy sound and poignant - almost therapeutic - lyrics purposefully put you in this unique situation to make peace with what’s behind you. It’s a soundtrack for being reminded of a beautiful memory and finding contentment that it’s part of your past. Jon Vinyl’s silky smooth vocals lift even the most serious topics into a lens of positive reflection. His music is a salve, a balm, an antidote for some of our spiritual bruises.

Jon Vinyl has had an absolutely meteoric rise since he burst into the music scene. The Toronto-raised singer was always surrounded by music, but really dove into it around 2016. Since then, underpinned with deep grooves, a silky smooth voice, and positive vibes, Jon Vinyl has quickly become a major player in the game.

Devin Morrison

You’re not ready to hear Devin Morrison sing. You’re not ready to hear a 90’s R&B sound so classic and, somehow, so undeniably fresh. You’re just not ready to hear Morrison’s expertly, lovingly crafted beats and lyrics that are insulate the soul of each track. Morrison’s music is vulnerable, welcoming, retro, and new. And you’re just not ready, because you can’t listen to just one track. You haven’t considered what your day is going to look like because once you dive into Morrison’s silky smooth vocals and scintillating melodies, you won’t be able to stop. Morrison has traveled the world to refine his sound, but his biggest influences come from his childhood. Some artists lose sight of that as they travel and learn. Their music evolves and encapsulates their new, global influences in very visceral ways. There’s nothing wrong with that at all, but the personal authenticity of Morrison’s 90’s R&B vibe cannot be denied. Each track rings so clearly, as he takes what he’s learned throughout his life and travels, and uses it to lift the sound he’s had in mind since childhood. You can’t help but be welcomed in, and you’re just not ready for what’s in store.

Originally from Orlando, based in Los Angeles, while living for long stretches in Alabama and Tokyo, Morrison really is a global artist. As a child, his grandmother wished for him to take piano lessons. Before long, he and his brothers were making beats at home. His time in Tokyo was extremely formative. Originally there to teach english, he ended up pursing a “grad degree” studying under Tokyo-based artists Fitz Ambro$e and Budamunk. He returned to the U.S., moved to Los Angeles, but still never forgets the gospel and R&B influences of his youth.

Mysie

Vulnerable, authentic, genuine. Three words that both describe Mysie’s music and three of the most difficult things for a human being to be. It’s easy to wall yourself off, pretend to be who everyone wants you to be, and to sacrifice your own integrity to feel like you belong in the zeitgeist. It is infinitely more difficult to buck labels, let your art be a true reflection of yourself, and create something that speaks directly from your soul. In that way, more than any other, Mysie is truly one of the most exciting, creative, and authentic soul artists working today. Mysie finds power and strength in vulnerability, and it absolutely comes through with each musical decision. Each track is graced with her warm, quietly powerful vocals layered on top of a variety of styles and instrumentations. People tend to throw around the term “genre-defying” a little too much (myself included), but Mysie is genuinely deserving of the moniker. Her influences are about as wide ranging as they come. Jazz, electronica, gospel, psychedelia (just to name a few), and not to mention her deep soul and R&B roots. Her music is powerful, intimate, vulnerable - she lets the listener stare into her soul, but her music stares right back into our own.

Hailing from south east London, Mysie grew up in a deeply musical family. Early years were filled with the titans of soul, R&B, and hip-hop before finding inspiration in trailblazers like Thundercat, J Dilla, and Flying Lotus. Even as a child, Mysie began developing her own unique sound. While the wide ranging influences could’ve led to creatively crowded music, Mysie weaves intricate musical tapestries at every turn. Whether she’s drawing influence from Snoop Dog or Sadé, Mysie creates music designed to make you open up, to feel good, and to heal your soul.

VanJess

Nostalgia is a tricky little thing. Most artists settle for a sly nod to a previous decade for a single and it’s cute and cheeky. Other artists try, musically, to live in that time period, ends up sounding derivative or campy. VanJess, however, is the rare artist that has a deep retro influence. but makes it sound entirely natural - as if this was the music they were always meant to make, it just happens to be inspired by the 90’s. Their music, unequivocally inspired by 90’s hip-hop and R&B, is so well done and filled with their own identity, it’s almost wholesome. It feels fresh and new, but the nostalgia that overflows out of each track feels more like reliving a wonderful memory made better by living the life you’ve lived. Like drinking a smooth vintage wine that, for whatever reason, reminds you of nights sipping on Ecto-Cooler with friends, MTV on in the background. This is not to say VanJess eschews the present and future just to keep looking back. Modern production choices and creative new beat work lay the foundation for a truly delightful musical experience.

VanJess, the duo comprised of sisters Ivana and Jessica Nwokike, started producing their own music in their bedrooms. Originally doing covers, they started to gain a following and decided to release original music. Their newest album, 2021’s “Homegrown”, felt like a return their beginnings, with the album largely being written in their home studios during the pandemic. However much influence from the past the duo may take, their music reminds you to be here in the moment.

Tierra Whack

When Tierra Whack speaks: you listen. Her expertly crafted rhymes coupled with a unique flow - perfected over years of writing, producing, performing, and a very keen sense of self - constantly push the boundaries of the of the genre. Her tracks are almost avant-garde in their scope and production. Projects like “Whack World” and “Mumbo Jumbo” take established genre norms and flip them on their head. Not in a rebuke of what came before, but instead to sincerely ask the question “why not?”. And when each track is filled with such passion, playfulness, and conviction, you’ll gleefully wait to see what she questions next. To put it in no uncertain terms: Tierra Whack is one of the most exciting and creative artists of our generation.

Based in Philadelphia, Tierra Whack started writing poetry as a child to help express herself and her feelings. As a teenager, she became a well-known battle rapper in Philadelphia under the name “Dizzle Dizz”. However, the reputation, resulting fame, and a sense of stagnation began to wear on her, and she credits a move to Atlanta as a teenager as the beginning of a journey to truly find herself and her voice. Working at the famous Mister Car Wash in Atlanta, Whack saved up enough money to purchase a laptop and began recording herself. Flash forward to now, flush with critical acclaim, Whack has moved back to Philadelphia and remains as down-to-earth as she always has. Regardless of fame, acclaim, and Fader cover stories, Tierra Whack’s focus has always remained the same: producing and writing the truest expressions of herself.

Blue Lab Beats

A tight groove, a good beat, a catchy melody: these are undeniable joys in music. Regardless of the mood you’re in, you can’t help but let your shoulders relax, let a wry smile appear, and move your body as the music begins to wash away any stressors you were carrying with you before. NK-OK and Mr. DM, the minds behind jazztronica duo Blue Lab Beats, really are more like scientists. Their life’s work is crafting these tracks that perfectly address your vibe and invite you to relax, breathe, and check any worries at the door. It’s music that was designed to provide reassurance, healing, and joy, and Blue Lab Beats has perfected their secret science.

This week, Black Tea features Blue Lab Beats’ single with Ghetto Boy - “Sensual Loving”. Blue Lab Beats, comprised of producer NK-OK and multi-instrumentalist Mr. DM, started out as bedroom producers, but have quickly forged their own path with a vibrant, smooth, expertly produced sound. While the jazz influences are undeniable, by combining their London roots with a deep understanding of hip-hop and beatmaking, Blue Lab Beats has truly created a flavor all-their-own.

Franc Moody

Franc Moody is almost painfully funky. The absolutely delicious grooves, dripping with electronic touches and wrapped around an undeniably human soul, pulls your body to boogie. The slick, perfectly crafted bass lines and the nods to disco and Daft Punk in the music and lyrics are impossible not to sing along with. Franc Moody’s music hits on something so primal in such a contemporary fashion. They’re on the forefront of “Cool”, and we’re happily hypnotized to shake, shimmy, twist, and dance. Resistance is futile, but unless you’re allergic to a good time and deep grooves, why would you want to?

Franc Moody is an incredibly tight-knit group constantly exploring the dichotomy of human interaction and connection in our increasingly digital world. The music is inherently soulful and human while they continue to push the boundaries of the genre and performing. Anchored by duo Ned Franc and Jon Moody, the London-based group expands to six members for live performances.

Pell

If I had to describe Pell in one word: it’s versatile. Pell is equally outstanding as a collaborator and as a solo artist, with a loose, old-school flow featuring modern, witty lyricism, and expertly crafted beats. With influences from A Tribe Called Quest to Stevie Wonder, Pell creates a futuristic east-meets-west-meets-south sonic collage that he sometimes calls “dream rap”. On Black Tea 96, we feature his 2016 single “In The Morning” (featuring Stephen and Caleborate). With a free, laid back feel, the trio create a hazy, dreamy atmosphere that is a perfect summer track.

Pell grew up in New Orleans, but moved to Jackson, Mississippi after evacuating due to Hurricane Katrina. Soon after, he began creating beats, and just before college started writing his own material to tell the stories he wanted to tell. Drawing from a wide variety of influences, including his native New Orleans, Pell seeks to send a message, tell a story, and shift the conversations the world are having.

Kenyon Dixon

A champion of R&B, Kenyon Dixon pays sincere homage to the roots of the genre, while working tirelessly to move it forward. Dixon has disassembled the R&B staples, taking the harmonies and melodies of the genre we all recognize, but combining them with his own contemporary vocal style and lyricism. In addition to expertly produced beats and production choices, the future of R&B effortlessly dances with its past in Dixon’s music. Wherever R&B goes next, you can be assured Kenyon Dixon will be one of its shepards.

On Black Tea 94 - we’re featuring the Kenyon Dixon and PJ Morton collaboration “Escape”, released June, 2021. Over the last 18 months, Dixon has been hard at work releasing an EP “Switch” an album “Expectations”, and numerous singles. Dixon has previously worked with artists like Mary J. Blige, Ginuwine, and Justin Timberlake, but has quickly carved out an audience for himself with more music and shows to come in the near future.

Jean Deaux

It’s not often that an artist has such mastery over their art-form that they can shed the superficiality of a given genre and truly let their message speak for itself. Jean Deaux is exactly this kind of artist. The silky-smooth flow, quality production, and stunning lyricism transforms each track into a crystal-clear window of what’s on Jean Deaux’s mind. Trying to pin the music to a single genre defeats the purpose of the raw, uncut authenticity that Jean Deaux exudes. Savor each lyric, because Jean Deaux doesn’t mince words.

Based in Chicago, Jean Deaux has quickly made a name for themselves both as a solo artist and an in-demand collaborator. Deaux has worked with such artists as Isaiah Rashad, Mick Jenkins, Saba, Mykki Blanco, and Smino and belongs to music collectives The Village 777 and Medicine Woman. NPR listed Deaux as one of 20 “artists to watch” in 2019. In 2020, Deaux released “Watch This!” and dropped a new single, “Easiest Thing” in March 2021.

H.E.R.

What can we say about H.E.R. that hasn’t already been said? Even the term “voice-of-our-generation” doesn’t quite capture the incredible impact she’s had on the music industry in the last few years. H.E.R. taps into the alchemy of music in a way few others can. It isn’t just that she’s a virtuosic guitar player. Or a dynamic and powerful vocalist. Or a songwriter that is one-part poet and one-part revolutionary. H.E.R. combines all this and more to create something infinitely greater than the sum of its parts. H.E.R. has already cemented her music in the soundtrack of our lives, and she’s just getting started.

With a list of accolades and collaborations a mile long (and growing) - H.E.R. has quickly become one of the most sensational new talents in music today. At 24, she’s already won multiple Grammy’s, including Song of The Year for “I Can’t Breathe”. This week, on Black Tea 94, we’re featuring her single “We Made It” from her 2021 album “Back of My Mind.”

Ria Moran

Featuring slick grooves, jazz-influenced harmonies, and ethereal vocals, Ria Moran brings a delightfully joyous energy to her music. Her single “You’ll Stay Down” was written “to feel joyous, representing letting go and moving on from things weighing you down.” says Moran. It’s impossible to deny the lifting, almost floating quality of the music - as if its mission is to take the listener to a calmer, freer state of mind. Still, underneath it all is Moran’s unwavering musical energy, a musical reminder to relax your shoulders and find the joy within yourself.

Ria Moran started as a freelance composer and session artist, but her debut EP “Moving Into The Light” showcases her abilities as a songwriter and performer. Already an in-demand collaborator, she was most recently featured on “Morning Light” from London-based musical collective Nubiyan Twist’s 2021 album “Freedom Fables”.

Cautious Clay

Each Cautious Clay track is like a fine crystal sculpture. Hauntingly beautiful, completely free of artifice or imperfections, and expertly crafted. Clay’s stunning vocals glide effortlessly though his incredibly catchy melodies while perfectly crafted beats and rhythm tracks add a lush, inviting atmosphere. A multi-instrumentalist, you can hear the sheer amount of care that Clay puts into each song. Somehow, each Cautious Clay track feels like the perfect song for the moment: a moment that you don’t want to end anytime soon.

Cautious Clay started his music career remixing beats for friends while at school, but has since become a producer and writer for artists like John Legend, John Mayer, and Taylor Swift. His newest album “Deadpan Love” drops June 25th, 2021 and you can see him live at the All Things Go Music Festival on October 16th, 2021 in Columbia, Maryland.

Hiatus Kaiyote

Experimental sounds, unconventional harmonies, creative melodies, and undeniable groove , Hiatus Kaiyote lives in ”post-genre” future world that we’re just not hip enough to travel to yet. Built on a foundation of jazz, hip-hop, soul, and pop, Hiatus Kaiyote stands apart from the sea of fusion groups with the effortlessly cool vocals from singer and guitarist Nai Palm. While Palm’s vocals float above the complex music happening underneath, drummer Perrin Moss creates pockets so deep you might lose your keys in them. Not to be outdone, bassist Paul Bender and keyboardist Simon Maven anchor down increasingly adventurous harmonies with a wide variety of tones and textures. Feel free to try and define Hiatus Kaiyote, buy the beauty of their music is the spaces in-between the definitions.

Originally from Melbourne, Hiatus Kaiyote has become a frequent sight at premiere venues and festivals across the world. In 2015, they released their second album “Choose Your Weapon” to universal acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for the single “Breathing Underwater”. Their long-awaited third album, “Mood Valiant”, promises to be another exploration for the group. “Mood Valiant” is out June 25th, 2021.

Kenneth Whalum

Kenneth’s sound is airy, yet clean. His songs grow out of a instrumentally forward foundation. The space in the arrangements allow for the ear to wander, while at the same stilling the spirit to focus on the underlying lyrics. This consistent juxtaposition creates a unique vibe. He made his first Black Tea appearance with the song,“Motive”, off his first album, Broken Land. His most recent feature is his new single, “One More Kiss”. (2021)

A true renaissance man, Kenneth Whalum does it all. He writes, composes, arranges, plays tenor sax, and sings. Originally from from Memphis, Kenneth was exposed to the city’s colorful music traditions and sounds. He first developed as a drummer, but switched to saxophone in middle school at the request of his teacher. He started to play around town and at his father’s Church, New Olivet Baptist. He also received guidance from his uncle, the acclaimed saxophonist Kirk Whalum. In 2006 he started his journey of touring with the likes of Jay-Z, Diddy, and Robert Glasper to just name a few. In 2017 he cam out with his first album and the rest is history. Find out more @kennethwhalum

Chole x Halle

Chole X Halle, what a duo! Their vocals are from another planet. Their sound is flexible from a genre perspective, but always consistent in its artistic expression array. Their developed lyrics are inspiring and relatable.

The young duo originally from Mableton, Georgia moved to Los Angeles in 2012 to peruse their dreams. They started posting music covers on YouTube and were acknowledge by Beyoncé. She became their mentor and signed them to Parkwood Entertainment in 2016. They released their first EP, “Sugar Symphony” in 2016 followed by a mix tap in 2017 and their first album in 2018, “The Kids Are Alright”. In 2020 they released their second studio album, “Ungodly Hour”, which became critically acclaimed and landed them a spot on the Billboard 100. Find out more @chollexhalle

Yakul

Their songs have deep grove pockets that align with a jazz forward note orientation. The lyrics are fresh yet meaningful. Their melodies and chord progressions consistently prove to be a treat for the ears

A Brighton based neo soul band, Yakul, is made up of James Berkeley (keys / vocals), Sam Hughes (drums), Leo Utton (guitar) and Tom Caldwell-Nichols (bass). Their sounds pulls from jazz, soul, and pop influences and their live performing recording style creates a unique intimacy. Find out more @yakulband

Angela Munoz

Angela Munoz’s sultrily voice wrapped in a warm symphony of jazz music truly makes her style one of a kind. Each of songs take you back in time while incorporating modern clarity. Her songs invoke passion and feeling. At such a young age her music already portrays a distinct distinct maturity

Los Angeles native, Munoz at the age of 18 released her first album in 2020 titled, “ Introspection”. Two songs off this album have been featured on Black Tea. At 5 she discovered her old school voice. She started playing piano and guitar and attended a performing arts middle school. She started dominating singing competitions. At the same time she became obsessed with collecting vinyls of old soul music which influenced her sound. Find out more @bigcatmotherfunk