Ravyn Lenae - Hypnos

While his independent work had already produced EPs such as Moon Shoes (re-released in 2016) and Midnight Moonlight, as well as the album Crush in 2018, Hypnos marks the official culmination of a career that began with the single Greetings in 2015. The tension here lies between the shadow of these earlier releases and the light of a major project now supported by a label like Atlantic.

Hypnos: between the shadows of independent EPs and the light of the first studio album

The cohesion of this sonic universe does not come from forced uniformity, but from the performer's ability to navigate between these distinct registers, from the intimacy of R&B to the expansiveness of dance beats, while maintaining a unique identity that avoids clichés.

Demanding cohesion: 16 tracks to navigate between intimate soul and dance beats

The main focus of this project is Ravyn Lenae's ambition to establish herself as a leading voice on the album, rather than simply playing the role of a supporting musician. The mature approach of the album is evident from the first listen, as the project doesn't just aim to experiment for the sake of it, but to assert a vocal presence that draws on influences from R&B and alternative music. The album is classified as Neo-Soul or alternative R&B, but it goes beyond these labels, incorporating diverse influences that allow it to transcend the simple status of a debut album marking the artist's major breakthrough.

Chicago-Atlanta Fusion: Features by Smino, Steve Lacy, Fousheé, and Mereba as generational bridges

The strength of Hypnos also lies in its ability to ground its sonic universe both within the Zero Fatigue collective, of which she is a member alongside Smino, Jean Deaux, and Monte Booker, and in a broader dimension of international R&B. This sense of community is reflected in the presence of four confirmed guest artists on the album, each bringing a specific texture to the project. Track 6, Where I'm From, features the soulful vocals of Mereba, strengthening the melancholic and love-infused aspect of the album by adding an emotional texture to the original composition. Track 3D sees the arrival of Smino, who anchors the project in the local Chicago scene through the Zero Fatigue collective; his presence brings a distinct rap/soul flow that dialogues with the alternative R&B style, confirming the communal aspect of the track. Finally, on track 15, Mercury, Fousheé brings a pop/R&B female voice that adds to the album's vocal landscape, suggesting a generational dialogue and an exchange of influences in the neo-soul field. Beyond these collaborations, which serve as bridges between her Chicago heritage and her new identity as an independent artist, it is the performer's vocal performance that remains at the center of the project. The album is distinguished by a mature approach that places the artist at the center, highlighting her versatility and her ability to evolve across a wide vocal range without ever losing her essence. This evolution is confirmed by the diversity of influences blended: a mix of soul, alternative R&B, dance music, and Afrobeat on a complete 16-track format. The album was recorded over a four-year period, during which Ravyn Lenae moved to Los Angeles after the COVID-19 pandemic, which allowed her to develop a more mature artistic vision before its release on Atlantic Records.

Trajectory: The return of an artist trained in Chicago and graduating from the Chicago High School of The Arts in 2017

The album opens with the title Cameo, which stands out as an unconventional piece marked by extravagant bass effects, before concluding with Wish to offer a calming end to this musical journey. The production incorporates a variety of collaborators, such as Kaytranada, Sango, Luke Titus, and IAmNobodi, alongside more central figures like Monte Booker and Teo Halm. This dense 53 minutes 33 seconds project goes beyond simply exploring recent influences in soul, alternative R&B, and Afrobeat; it precisely revisits the musical heritage while offering a level of artistic maturity that validates the promise made since its local beginnings. This first studio album on Atlantic Records thus consolidates its status as a major voice in the genre, marking a notable ascent compared to its previous EP Crush, while also anticipating its sequel with Bird's Eye.

Technical details

- Release date : May 20, 2022 - Label : Atlantic - Tracks : 16 (53 min 33 s) - Opening / closing : Cameo / Wish - Guest artists : Steve Lacy, Mereba, Smino, Fousheé