Ravyn Lenae • "Alive"
2015 was the year of Zero Fatigue. Ravyn Lenae, Smino, and Monte Booker all released forward-thinking, acclaimed EPs and strong singles. Gaining a massive amount of attention in just a year's time, they've since spent 2016 growing larger with a bit more moves made in the public image. Ravyn, for example, re-released Moon Shoes and Smino re-released blkjuptr, both gaining larger audiences in the process. The two talents started playing more shows in 2016. They both dropped their first music videos in 2016. While they have both released loose singles to hold over the fans, they've been selective and precise. As it seems, the members of Zero Island know exactly what they're doing.
While the spotlight is shining on their available content, it's been obvious that the crew has been hard at work on what's next. After hearing Ravyn on Noname's project, we received a fine solo piece in the form of “Alive”. Produced by Monte Booker, it's the two's first collaboration since Monte's Soulection EP, as Ravyn made an appearance on the final track, “Baby”. Now, the two are back like they never left. The song is a focused write-off about a past love.
Full of clarity, full of Monte's signature pen click-style drums, full of impressive vocal arrangements, full of a relaxed yet frenzied experience. All of these elements somehow turn the song into futuristic jazz, electrified soul, a buffet of creativity rolled into three minutes. I'm beyond geeked these two just gave us something new.
