Honey Bxby - Raw Honey

*Review: Raw Honey, the moment Honey Bxby captivates New Jersey*

Ambient synth intro

Even before the music starts, the stage is set. The first track, "Intro," opens the EP with a gentle blend of synths and light percussion, immediately placing the listener in the world that Honey Bxby wants to create. This introduction prepares the ground for a project that blends R&B and hip-hop, without ever becoming overly grandiose. The production relies on a diverse team, which is evident in the subtle nuances of this opening: a contrast between clear acoustic elements and digital textures that intertwine seamlessly.

WESLEYFRANKLIN's female flow

The third track, "These Days feat. WESLEYFRANKLIN," introduces a strong female perspective. The presence of WESLEYFRANKLIN brings a female hip-hop rapper's voice, strengthening the authenticity of the project. Her voice complements Honey Bxby's main melody, creating a vocal dialogue where each line responds to the other's emotions. WESLEYFRANKLIN's rhythmic and poetic flow complements the narrative focused on personal challenges and resilience, recurring themes in Honey Bxby's world.

Dual pop-rap & R&B

"Tricks For You feat. Coi Leray" (track 5) and "3AM feat. Toosii" (track 6) demonstrate the EP's ability to explore diverse territories while maintaining a cohesive style. Coi Leray introduces an energetic and contemporary flow, aligning the EP with current pop-rap trends. Toosii adds a touch of melodic R&B, enriching the EP's vocal palette. Together, these two tracks form a double-sided release where pop-rap and R&B meet in a harmonious conversation, illustrating Honey Bxby's versatility.

The middle journey

The intermediate tracks – "Broken Mirrors", "LEFT EYE", "Fall In Line", "Think I Might", "Right On Time", and "Laying In His Bed" – weave a narrative thread that moves from introspective reflection to self-affirmation. "Broken Mirrors" exposes raw vulnerability, while "LEFT EYE" recalls the power of a female icon while celebrating Honey Bxby's individuality. The following three tracks reinforce this theme with lighter or heavier arrangements, demonstrating mastery of dynamics and emotion within a single project.

Remix returns homage

The final track, "LEFT EYE (Remix) feat. Lola Brooke" (track 11), is a remix that retains the spirit of the first single "LEFT EYE" while adding the vocals of Lola Brooke. The track maintains the same message of tribute to Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, but introduces more dynamic rhythms and a touch of contemporary production, offering an energetic conclusion without changing the overall tone of the EP. Raw Honey, which has an official duration of 26 minutes and 45 seconds, reveals the evolution of Honey Bxby's signature sound.

Production and context

Honey Bxby, born Ajaysiya Byers, is from Asbury Park (New Jersey). She signed a contract with the ART@WAR imprint of Atlantic Records in 2022 before moving to Warner Records for this release. The artist's previous studio album, 3 Words, 8 Letters (2024), had already established the foundations of her musical identity. The Raw Honey project was released by Warner Records on May 29, 2025, and was accompanied by a launch party at the Planet Hollywood in New York, an event that brought together fans, journalists, and artists from various backgrounds.

Features and collaborations

Four of the eleven tracks feature credited guest artists: WESLEYFRANKLIN (track 3), Coi Leray (track 5), Toosii (track 6), and Lola Brooke (track 11). These collaborations were carefully selected to enhance the stylistic range without compromising the EP's overall coherence. Each featured artist brings a unique perspective on the album's central theme – strength, vulnerability, and resilience – while also strengthening the emotional impact of each track.

Conclusion

Raw Honey is more than just a debut EP; it's a statement of the fresh and determined voice of Honey Bxby. From the ambient synth opening to the tribute remix, each track tells a story that reflects the artist's roots, influences, and determination. The total running time of 26 minutes and 45 seconds suggests a complete and cohesive listening experience, while the presence of a diverse production team and strategic collaborations confirms Honey Bxby's artistic maturity. In short, Raw Honey is the moment when Honey Bxby captivates the hearts of New Jersey while also rising on the global stage.

Technical Details

- Release Date : May 29, 2025 - Label : Warner Records - Tracks : 11 (26 min 45 s) - Opening / Closing : Intro / LEFT EYE (Remix) - Guest Artists : WESLEYFRANKLIN, Coi Leray, Toosii, Lola Brooke - Previous Album : 3 Words, 8 Letters (2024)