Music Moose

R&B Singer Brent Faiyaz has been an artist to watch since his feature on GoldLinks 2016 smash hit ‘Crew’, with its success being attributed to Brent’s unique sound. Four years later and the Virginia native has given us three EP’s and one album. Brent’s melancholic voice culminated with his 90’s R&B reminiscent sound and song writing ability, make him one of the most refreshing and unique acts in R&B in recent memories. These qualities are here to stay on his latest efforts; ‘F**K the World’. 

F**k the World only totals in at just 27 minutes making it a short listen but its sweetness still lingers in our ears for much longer. Brent describes his music for people who are “empathetic narcists”, or for those who suffer from addictive personalities in the realm of drugs and sex, which certainly fits the description for this EP. Throughout the album Brent touches on R&B clichés, but gives us a more introspective insight to the life of Brent.

The first track, ‘Skyline’ opens with pitched vocals posing the question ‘Do you know what makes the world go ‘round ?’. Brent then talks to his significant other reminding her that her actions affect the world and not only her, which can only be Brent’s interpretation of the butterfly-effect, and is the first instance of Brent touching on much deeper topics. 

These same sentiments are displayed on the second track ‘Clouded’ where Brent gives us several hints that he is going through an existential crisis. Brent rants about his contemporaries who indulge in materialism over bettering themselves. Brent then asks ‘if I go tonight’ would all his efforts to live a fantasy (fame), would they all matter in the end or was it all in vain. These conflictions Brent is experiencing are one of his many demons that he constantly battles. It’s clear that Brent’s battle with his demons has had a distinct effect on his outlook of life causing his apathetic attitude to the world, hence the fifth track that shares the name of the album, ‘F**k the World’. The fifth track features reverbed harmonious vocals throughout alongside minimalistic chords which create that apathetic feel Brent is looking for. The song opens with the lyrics “Wanna fuck the world, I’m a walking erection” , which is a double entendre symbolizing Brent’s disassociation with the world and his love for sex, which are prominent in his lyrics throughout the track. 

Similarly, on the seventh track ‘Rehab (Winter in Paris)’ the No I.D. produced track finds Brent touch on his addiction, however it’s not the usual; this time it is sex. Brent sees sex as his vice, where he is able to release his pain and cope with his demons. On the other hand his partner struggles with drug addiction, but they both see each other as their rehab to face these demons. 

One of Brent’s highlights can easily be heard on ‘Been Away’. The production is reminiscent of any Aaliyah and Timbaland record from the late 90’s. Been away finds Brent explaining to his partner why he hasn’t been around as much as she would like because he’s trying to get his ”paper straight”. Although he may not be able to fulfil her womanly desire Brent still doesn’t want his partner to move on, which some may class as toxic, but Brent feels that no other man has her best interest at heart like him. Brent rarely wears his heart on his sleeve like other R&B males but this is definitely his own creative twist.

Brent begins to open more on his feelings on the Playa Fly ‘Ghetto eyes’ sampled track ‘Bluffin’. The use of the dark synth set mood for what we can only describe as heartbreak. Brent calls his partners bluff as he cannot imagine that she has moved on, but he then questions his own bluff. Brent recalls feeling led on and used, as he would always try to uplift his partner. Yet, she would rather reward him with pain. However, the tables have now turned and she faces the same pain, but at the hands of her abusive baby father. 

The piano backed melody ‘Let me know’ is another example of the introspective insight to the life of Brent. Brent focuses on self-love as he finally realises “who can I love when they tell me I can’t love myself, how could I possibly love someone else”. This self-actualisation has made love a lot easier for Brent as he now realises love can only add to his happiness but not create his happiness. 

‘F**k the world’ is a needed chapter in the complicated life of Brent Faiyaz and as time progresses we will finally be able to understand where Brent is coming from. The project follows suit of minimalistic production, which may be hard for some to get into, but if you’re fans of The Weeknd or Frank Ocean this is the project for you. One critique of Brent I would note is his stubbornness to not explore with his sound. For the future it would be extremely satisfying to see Brent experiment with more genres and production outside his comfort zone. Nonetheless, If this is just the teaser for the eventual album, then it would be clear to say that Brent will be one of a few to dawn the title ‘King of R&B’.