Born and raised in Milwaukee—a city near Chicago, the mecca of soul music—into a family of musicians, this true-blue musician and singer-songwriter honed his singing and instrumental skills from an early age by performing with his father and brothers in a local gospel band. Highlights of this album include the 1990s neo-soul style of artists like D’Angelo and Erykah Badu, combined with sound mixing that conveys a sense of modern depth and layering. Featuring an all-star lineup of artists, including legend James Poyser—a member of The Roots and the Soulquarians (Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, Ms. Lauryn Hill)—as well as Ryan James Carr (Usher, Cordae), Luke Titus (Kiefer), and Peanut Butter Wolf. With tracks like the classic neo-soul track “ILIKEU” (sample_1)—featuring a 90s-inspired music video that sets a great mood—and the melancholic “AFFIRMATION” (sample_3), which feels inspired by Bobby Caldwell’s “My Flame,” this album is sure to be a long-lasting favorite. (Original Japanese text by AYAM)