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R&B Soul, Drill Anthems, and Smooth Vibes: Monica, Chief Keef, and Sinead Harnett

R&B Soul, Drill Anthems, and Smooth Vibes: Monica, Chief Keef, and Sinead Harnett

From Monica's R&B classics to Chief Keef's drill anthems and Sinead Harnett's smooth soul, this week highlights genre-defying excellence.

Never Twice
September 09, 2024

From Left to Right: Monica, Chief Keef, Sinéad Harnett
Credits: Cyndi B, Tyler Shields, Clash Music

This week’s spotlight is all about versatility and breaking boundaries. We’re diving into the soulful, enduring R&B of Monica, whose powerful vocals and timeless hits have defined generations. Then we shift gears to Chief Keef, the pioneer of Chicago drill, whose raw energy and unapologetic style continue to shape the hip-hop scene. And finally, we introduce the soothing sounds of Sinead Harnett, whose smooth, emotion-filled voice weaves effortlessly through soulful melodies, creating the perfect blend of modern R&B. Each of these artists brings something entirely unique, reminding us that music is a diverse, ever-evolving journey.

Monica’s Morning Melodies

Monica
Cyndi B

Monica

Monica’s journey to this point has been one of resilience and growth. She has spoken openly about how life events, including the passing of two uncles, have impacted her focus on creating new music. However, this time away has allowed her to deeply reflect on her artistry, and she promises that MDA will deliver the same raw emotion and vocal power that made her a staple in R&B since the release of her debut album Miss Thang in 1995. The new album is expected to touch on themes of love, loss, and personal evolution, showing Monica's maturity as both an artist and a woman.

Monica's influence in the music industry continues to be felt beyond her studio efforts. In 2024, she scored a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart with her single "Trusting God," further showcasing her ability to seamlessly transition across genres. Additionally, she has toured with high-profile artists like Nicki Minaj and Missy Elliott, and reunited with Brandy for a remix of their classic hit "The Boy Is Mine" with Ariana Grande. As she prepares to release MDA and Open Roads, Monica remains a dynamic force, proving that her voice and artistry are as relevant today as ever.

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Afternoon With The Chief

Chief Keef
Casimir Spaulding

Chief Keef

Chief Keef, a pioneering figure in modern drill music, continues to evolve his sound with his latest release, Almighty So 2. This highly anticipated album, released in May 2024, serves as a sequel to his 2013 project Almighty So and is packed with 16 tracks that showcase Keef’s growth both as a producer and lyricist. The album explores a range of sonic influences, from hard-hitting trap beats to more experimental uses of classical samples, such as Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana on the track “Almighty”.

Almighty So 2 reflects Keef’s ability to stay relevant in the rap scene while continuing to innovate. Not only does he produce the majority of the album himself, but he also collaborates with a diverse range of artists, including G Herbo, Quavo, Tierra Whack, and rising star Sexyy Red. Tracks like “Grape Trees” with Sexyy Red and “Neph Nem” featuring G Herbo stand out for their high energy and dynamic chemistry between the artists.

In addition to Almighty So 2, Chief Keef has kept busy in 2024 with Dirty Nachos, a collaborative mixtape with producer Mike-WiLL Made-It, further solidifying his position as one of the most innovative rappers in the game. Keef’s ability to blend nostalgic elements of the early 2010s drill sound with new-age rap techniques continues to resonate with both longtime fans and newer listeners.

With Almighty So 2, Chief Keef not only reaffirms his status as a cultural icon but also highlights his knack for pushing the boundaries of his genre, ensuring his legacy as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

Sinéad’s Sunset Sounds

Sinéad Harnett
Ana Tanaka

Sinéad Harnett

Sinead Harnett, the soulful R&B singer known for her emotive and introspective music, has returned in 2024 with her third studio album, Boundaries. This 16-track project marks a significant moment in her career, delving into deeply personal themes of healing, self-discovery, and facing past trauma. The album, released via Thairish Limited/Right Hand Co., showcases a matured Sinead, as she explores the process of confronting her inner child and letting go of pain and fear. Harnett’s work is always autobiographical, but Boundaries takes her vulnerability to new heights.

In this album, Sinead offers a rich blend of contemporary R&B and neo-soul, with songs like "Say Something" and "The Most" standing out for their raw emotional depth. Her UK roots, combined with her Los Angeles influences, give the album a trans-Atlantic appeal, balancing smooth Stateside vibes with the grit and emotion of UK soul. Harnett herself has said that Boundaries is about “honoring the past while simultaneously letting it go,” making it clear that this project is as much about emotional release as it is about reflection.

Harnett’s career began in the early 2010s when she featured on songs with notable electronic artists such as Disclosure and Rudimental. These early collaborations helped her gain recognition and paved the way for her solo career. Her debut album, Lessons in Love, released in 2019, offered fans a glimpse into her vulnerability, focusing on themes of self-love and learning from romantic relationships. Her follow-up project, Ready Is Always Too Late in 2021, further showcased her growth, blending soulful melodies with introspective lyrics.

For fans of introspective R&B and listeners who appreciate heartfelt storytelling through music, Boundaries is a must-listen. It's a personal and powerful offering that showcases Sinead Harnett at her most authentic and vulnerable. As she continues to carve out a space in modern R&B, Sinead’s latest work reminds us why she remains a significant force in the genre.

Playlist of the Week:
Laid Back

Chance The Rapper
Keely Parenteau

This week’s playlist, “Laid Back,” is the perfect mix of smooth flows and laid-back vibes, featuring some of the most dynamic voices in modern hip-hop and R&B. We’ve got Chance the Rapper’s optimistic, gospel-infused sound, blending effortlessly with the soulful and quirky storytelling of Smino. To top it off, we’ve thrown in the genre-bending brilliance of Childish Gambino, whose tracks effortlessly shift between thought-provoking verses and melodic grooves. These artists bring a chill, yet profound energy that makes this playlist a seamless backdrop for unwinding, reflecting, or just vibing out to the smoothest tunes. Let “Laid Back” be your go-to soundtrack this week.