Romeo Miller was one of those artists who was never really on my radar. When he hit the scene, I was 20, and at that point there was only room for one kid rapper in my music collection. That said, I always felt Miller had natural charisma, and for years I figured his true calling was acting after seeing him in the film “Honey”.
Given that I never really followed his music career, I was surprised to learn just how extensive his catalog is. Miller has released three studio albums, an independent album, three soundtracks, five EPs, five mixtapes, thirteen singles, two compilation albums, and four collaborative albums. As I get more serious about my entertainment journalism, I try to go into new music with an open mind instead of carrying old assumptions with me.
So when Miller’s label sent over his two new singles, “Selfie (Affirmation)” and “Doin Something,” featuring Trevor Jackson, I decided to listen. Color me pleasantly surprised with both songs. Written by Miller, Marcus D. Carter, and producer Brett Nolan, “Selfie” finds Romeo stepping into the affirmation space.
The song centers on self-worth, confidence, and reminding yourself that what you see in the mirror deserves some love. On paper, that kind of concept could turn corny real quick. Thankfully, Miller approaches the material with enough sincerity that it never sounds like he is auditioning to become somebody’s life coach.
I do think “Selfie” works better as a message-driven record than something I would personally keep in heavy rotation. Still, there is nothing wrong with an artist using his platform to put some positivity into the world, especially when the message feels genuine.
“Doin Something,” however, is much more my speed. Produced by Lieutenant Can and written by Miller, Trevor Jackson, Marcus D. Carter, and veteran songwriter Candice C. Nelson, the track reaches for that early-2000s R&B feel without sounding completely stuck there. Bringing Trevor Jackson into the mix was a smart move, as his smooth delivery fits naturally alongside Miller and adds another layer of personality.
The concept works as “Doin Something” explores the idea that being mad at your significant other doesn’t automatically mean the relationship is over. Sometimes grown folks argue, cool off, communicate, and figure it out. Imagine that. There is enough melody and throwback flavor here to catch my ear without the song feeling like cosplay from another era.
Between the two releases, “Doin Something” is easily my favorite. More importantly, both songs accomplish something I did not expect: they made me curious about what Romeo Miller has to offer musically at this stage of his life.
Twenty-year-old me probably would not have given Romeo a chance.
Forty-five-year-old me knows better.
Final Grade for Both Songs: B
