Brent Faiyaz, a Maryland-born singer with an elegant voice, is one of the rising stars in R&B music. He first gained notoriety as part of the now defunct group Sonder but has since made a name for himself on his own terms.
His debut solo LP, Sonder Son, combined nostalgic joy with vulnerable songwriting to explore the unique challenges faced by an African American man growing up in America. His subsequent record, Lost, focused on exploring these fears and preoccupations as a young black male in America today.
1. Insecure (A.M. Paradox)
American R&B singer Brent Faiyaz’s anthem Insecure is one of his most popular songs and easily deserves to be included amongst any list of the greatest. It boasts an awesome guitar riff and synthesizer melody as well as some truly heartfelt lyrics I have ever heard.
The song is an inspiring testament to the value of trust in relationships. It emphasizes how an individual must conquer their own personal demons in order to fully open up and communicate with a partner. Furthermore, the song illustrates how one can make an impact on their partner by showing them you care.
What sets Faiyaz’s work apart is his willingness to explore different genres and approaches in music making. This is evident in his recent release, Sonder Son – an impressive collection of soulful songs sure to please fans old and new alike.
The album is an exquisite work of art that should be on every music lover’s wish list. It’s a must-have for those who appreciate classic love songs. Not only is it well crafted, but it’s also enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. The juxtaposition between his raw vocals and lush piano accompaniment will remain unforgettable in the hearts of those who experience it.
2. Fuck The World
Brent Faiyaz, born in Maryland, rose from being a local hero to becoming a global superstar within two years. His presence on GoldLink and Shy Glizzy’s single “Crew” earned him both a Grammy nomination and global fame.
He quickly earned a reputation as an honest songwriter, working with the trio Sonder and solo projects A.M. Paradox, Sonder Son, and Lost; however his first full-length album didn’t arrive until 2019.
The Maryland-based artist has just released Fuck The World, a 10-track project that showcases his soulful vocals over sparse production. Featuring collaborations with Sonder partners Atu and Dpat as well as veteran No I.D., this album boasts some of Faiyaz’s best work to date.
Fuck The World may have a bleak title, but it’s actually quite good. Although only 26 minutes long, it still manages to create an impact with powerful vocals even if they lack the sonic force to do so.
Lyrically, Faiyaz often devalues women and takes them for granted – a trend that is well-established within R&B music, yet it certainly comes across in his songs.
The lyrics in the song “Loose Change” provide a prime example. In the video, Faiyaz enlists model Joan Smalls to play his romantic partner; even though she may initially show some resistance at first, eventually she is willing to put her personal safety on the line for him.
One such song on Fuck The World that perfectly illustrates this idea is “Rehab (Winter in Paris).” This track details an obsession with drugs and sex that takes place between Faiyaz’s desires for overindulgence in both areas. The bassline has a suspenseful, thrilling vibe to it which perfectly mirrors his desire for both.
3. Rehab
Rehab is a medically supervised program designed to help individuals cease using drugs or alcohol and gain new ways of functioning in society. It may include outpatient treatment, inpatient therapy and medical detox.
Effective rehab programs eliminate drugs and alcohol from a person’s system, alter behaviors that lead to use, give them insight into personal triggers for substance abuse and how to avoid them in the future. Most importantly, recovery requires commitment to the program.
Rehab facilities should have strict policies regarding what is and isn’t allowed inside their facilities. Typically, this means putting phones away during therapy sessions to reduce distraction and keep focus on the healing process.
At a residential facility, clients take part in therapies and meals to stay on track for recovery. Some may also participate in family therapy or other activities designed to strengthen their bonds with family members while they are under care.
In addition to the activities and programs provided at a rehab, there are also rules that must be observed so patients can maximize their benefit from the program. For instance, those entering residential facilities cannot drink or use drugs while receiving treatment and must abide by stringent cleaning and maintenance protocols in order to keep everything running smoothly.
It is essential to remember that healing should always come first during a residential treatment program. No one should feel offended or uncomfortable by others in the group. The best way to promote sobriety is by treating everyone with respect and adhering to all rules set out for them. The more involved someone becomes with their treatment plan, the faster they can achieve sobriety and begin living a happier, healthier life.
4. Loose Change
Loose Change was one of the first movies to utilize technology for spreading conspiracy theories about 9/11. It proved hugely successful and made an enduring impression on those within the conspiracy community, setting a standard for what level of multimedia production was necessary in order to effectively promote such ideas.
Soon after Loose Change went viral on the web, other videos began popping up with similar theories. Many were created by individuals with strong social media followings and quickly went viral.
The documentary also brought attention to a group of truthers who claimed the US government was behind 9/11. Through interviews with former United States Marine Corps General Smedley Butler, it was suggested that wealthy businessmen were plotting to overthrow Franklin Roosevelt and replace him with a fascist government.
Loose Change may have a more subdued vibe this time around, it still manages to be an entertaining movie that shares many important facts about 9/11 with viewers. The music soundtrack is subdued compared to its previous iteration and Daniel Sunjata does an excellent job as the narrator.
The film is available on a region-free flipper disc with an NTSC version on one side and PAL version on the other. Presented in 1.78:1 anamorphic widescreen format, its soundtrack mostly sounds clean; though some new interviews appear somewhat fuzzy. Additionally, this DVD includes bonus interviews as well as discussion regarding the Pentagon strike that followed these attacks.
5. Trust
If you’ve been following the R&B music scene in recent years, then you likely know about Brent Faiyaz. He is one of the artists helping to modernize this genre while giving it a sound that’s completely fresh and unique.
The Maryland-based singer is renowned for his atmospheric and introspective songs that are full of vulnerability. With an extensive background in production and song structure, he creates a journey for listeners on every track on his album.
His most recent project, Wasteland, was released in July and features some of his most popular songs to date. The album debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart and earned him a place at number two on the Top R&B Albums chart as well.
This album boasts a number of songs that are quite distinct and out-of-the-ordinary for an R&B artist like Faiyaz. For instance, ‘ROLE MODEL’ is an instrumental with an upbeat Synth-Pop sound; it also moves quickly with strong dance music influences.
Faiyaz’s latest single, ‘ADDICTIONS,’ has quickly become a fan favorite due to its unique sound. While it has more of an old school R&B vibe than previous releases, the song still manages to stay cool and refreshing. Additionally, TRE’ AMANI adds an impressive rap verse which adds even more dimension and energy to the track.
The song is impressively produced, making it an excellent addition to Faiyaz’s upcoming album. It boasts an incredibly powerful vocal performance from Faiyaz that grabs listeners’ attention instantly. Furthermore, this emotionally charged piece shows off Faiyaz’s talent as a talented artist capable of crafting some truly poignant and moving compositions within this genre.