Recommended Tracks: “Untouchable,” “Clock It,” “Fixation”
Artists You Might Like: Ne-Yo, Usher, Justin Bieber
A swanky speakeasy. An ornate hotel lobby. A handsome man. A beautiful woman. A late night. An endless morning. And jazz music with hints of R&B, funk, and soul.
If I haven’t pulled you in yet, maybe RichFraz will with his new neo-soul album, Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier. After two decades as a rapper, the Atlanta artist makes his return to singing and songwriting with this project, which also marks the first time he has let his singing voice out to play. On Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier, RichFraz doesn’t hold back—musically, emotionally, and lyrically. He paints alluring visuals, much like the ones mentioned above, and allows his feelings to guide the narrative. The album is built around five-part self-harmonized vocals and a compelling emotional arc that will have listeners fall in love, fall apart, and start again.
RichFraz invites us in with the instrumental intro, “The Gemini Speakeasy.” Here, we are treated to light jazz, dreamy riffs, soft horns, and fresh beats that make for a memorable entrance. Playful xylophone and silky strings are also added to the mix, letting us know that we are in it, we have arrived. Where should we go next?
We head to a few special places, such as next to the one he loves on “Potentially.” This is where RichFraz starts his day, and this is also where he feels like he has found the love of his life. With rich R&B vocals, he sings, “Sun peeking through the blinds / I look at you and lose track of time,” before admitting, “You could be my wife, potentially / I say it with a grin, but I mean it honestly.” His love goes so deep for this person, and when it all feels right, you might feel “Untouchable.” This rap-funk track keeps the good vibes going, as RichFraz shares, “Nothing can touch me today.” It gives listeners permission to feel themselves and to “walk out the door like I already won,” with nothing getting in their way. But even if you are out here being the GOAT, others might not be too impressed. On “Bad Way,” for instance, RichFraz plays up someone’s temptation. He knows that he is exactly what this person needs, so he sings, “I know he good on paper / I know he call you queen / But does he know the difference / Between your peace and your routine?” Even though he gives off a bit of desperation, he makes a good point; actions speak louder than words.
These actions might come in the form of a one-night stand or lust, as they do toward the middle of the album. We are whisked into a slick and sleek atmosphere on “4 the Night,” which plays out as a hookup song. For those who have “no expectations” and want “no complications,” they can bump “4 the Night” for the win. And if you really want to spice it up, you can turn to “Sticky” and get enveloped in its bold and sensual sound. To the sounds of percussion, horns, and light piano, RichFraz sings, “Ain’t no secret that this tension doesn’t hide,” eager for the water to come to a boil, the juices to flow, and the fire to explode. But sometimes, the chemistry isn’t as electric right away. It can be more casual, more innocent, as it is on “Cinnamon.” There is still an intensity here, some playfulness and some magnetism as he speaks to the notion of love at first sight, but RichFraz is careful not to let his feelings take over. In fact, he admits, “I don’t usually lose control / But you’ve got a hold on my soul.”
It can be fun to be flirty, and RichFraz is not above the chase. The beats are moving on “Clock It,” as if embodying the rush of the pursuit. The synth and the dancey rhythms are impossible to resist, enhancing lyrics like, “Every move she make is everything I need tonight.” There’s also “DRIVER” and “MINE,” which tell it like it is. There is a light and airy feel on “DRIVER,” which touches on what it’s like to be totally mesmerized by someone. But then, the music becomes slower and more intimate on “MINE,” where RichFraz reveals that the moves are real and the signals have been received. He expresses, “Tell me what the rules are so I know exactly which ones you want me to break,” turning on the charm.
But, what if it’s all too good to be true? Or what if something is so right that it’s wrong? On “What Are We Doin’?,” the scandal of an affair cuts through. It can be a lot to sneak around with someone, challenging the emotions and the conscience. At some point, reality hits, as it does in the lines, “We know who we are, and to them, it ain’t fair.” A similar sensation arises on “Fixation,” which is more dark and ominous. There is also a rock edge to the track with the cool electric guitar lines that come through, setting this song apart from the others. Here, RichFraz seems to be looking for a way out but is trapped by his desires. Will he prevail?
By the time we reach the end of the album, much has occurred. Still, the album brings everything to a dramatic close with “GHOST.” On top of the eerie piano lines, we hear, “I became a ghost the moment you let go / Now I’m just a shadow of someone I used to know,” which touch on the gloom of loss. There’s also, “If I’m still here, tell me why I don’t feel like I’m alive,” bringing the song to an emotional climax. Overall, it’s a moving conclusion to this moving album.
In the end, if Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier is the mind of RichFraz, then wow. There’s a lot going on up there—in a good way. From love to lust to loss, RichFraz dives into very specific yet universal moments on this album, but he also manages to take things to a fresh place. He isn’t afraid to speak his mind or open up his heart, and the honesty and vulnerability makes this album so creative and immersive. He knows how to tell a story, he knows how overwhelming it is to feel, and on Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier, RichFraz combines the storytelling and the senses in one beautiful and unique project.
You can listen to Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier here.
You can also join an immersive album experience – known as The Obsidian Estate – on rsfrazier.com. Once visitors are there, they can move through themed rooms like a Speakeasy, Study, and Studio. It extends the world of Lost in the Mind of R.S. Frazier beyond the speakers, bringing the music to life.
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