Members of the group Ready for The World are preparing to release a new album titled “READY SONIQUE.” The group now consists of founding members Willie Triplett and Gerald Valentine, along with newcomer David Lyve. The lead single from the album is “Feelin U,” which was written by Gerald Valentine, Tiffanie Porter, and David Watkins, with production handled by Willie Triplett and Gerald Valentine.
Joining the group on the track is P.ILY and Kharisma with their sultry slice of R&B that thrives on both sonic polish and narrative intrigue. Built on a sensuous, hip-hop-inspired groove, the track leans into an upbeat yet velvety swing that immediately sets the mood. The layered harmonies and sleek production choices create a lush backdrop, ideally suited for late nights, intimate spaces, and stolen glances.
Lyrically, “Feelin U” elevates the standard love song framework by exploring the blurred line between friendship and passion. The story unfolds as two best friends surrender to desire, caught up in the magic of an electrifying night. What sets the song apart is its ability to capture the vulnerability and awe of that moment—the afterglow where emotions are as overwhelming as the physical connection.
A twist occurs with the reintroduction of a former lover, a captivating bisexual woman, who reclaims her place in their dynamic. Rather than derailing the narrative, her presence adds depth, tension, and a sense of daring to the track, transforming it into more than just a simple ballad.
“Feling U” succeeds because it embraces sensual storytelling, pairing it with infectious melodies and rich production. The result is an R&B cut that feels both contemporary and timeless, addressing the complexities of love, desire, and connection in ways that are as thought-provoking as they are undeniably seductive.
Final Grade: B
“Feelin U” is available on all streaming platforms.
My introduction to Nate Dogg goes back to Dr. Dre’s 1992 debut, The Chronic, and the song “Deeez Nuuuts.” Even then, something about Nate’s voice set him apart from everybody else. He wasn’t just singing on rap records. He was bringing soul, gospel, street knowledge, and West Coast cool into the same space. He set the standard for hook singers in hip-hop, and dare I say, he’s still vastly underrated.
For this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I wanted to give Stevie Wonder his due as he prepares to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his masterpiece, “Songs in the Key of Life,” on tour. While the easy choice could have been “Knocks Me Off My Feet”—a classic that still resonates fifty years later—I chose “From the Bottom of My Heart,” the second single from his twenty-third studio album, “A Time to Love,” released in 2005.
It’s hard to believe that an iconic singing competition like American Idol has produced only two Black male winners in its more than two-and-a-half-decade history. Jamal Roberts made history last year when he won the show, following Ruben Studdard’s well-deserved victory in Season Two.