Trapsoul & Chill

“WHAT?!? How have you NOT heard of him???” Dumbfounded at my lack of awareness of the song she was singing and of the artist who wrote it. Nessa, a singer/dancer/poet/part-time Super Saiyan is a girl I dated. She came over to my house to hang out and at random, just like most singers, began to croon Talk 2 U by Brent Faiyaz. I asked if that song was hers. Nessa giggled out a no, reaching over for my computer and boldly stated she was going to change my life by putting me on. Needless to say, she did not, but I will admit, you might catch me around campus humming Talk 2 U walking to class. 

Born Christopher Brent Wood, Brent Faiyaz is a singer and music producer from Columbia, Maryland. Faiyaz first came onto the music scene as a SoundCloud artist, posting his music on the site. On his 21st birthday, Faiyaz released his EP A.M. Paradox which was received well by critics.

In 2016, Faiyaz formed the group Sonder with fellow producers Dpat and Atu releasing the song Too Fast. That same year, Faiyaz sang the hook on Rapper Goldlink’s Crew which is how most people came to learn about him and his voice. Crew is currently double platinum and was nominated for a grammy as best rap/song performance.

After Nessa left, I took time out to listen to Faiyaz latest album Sonder Son. The album begins with the intro Home, where a mother calls out for Chris (Brent Faiyaz) asking him as to why he brought home a poor report card and being punished for it. Sonder Son is an album based off of Faiyaz experiences as an adolescent. Songs such as Gang Over Luv brings up a rebellious time for Faiyaz as he reflects on hanging out with his friends instead of being in his classes. Ultimately, Talk 2 U is my favorite song on the album as Faiyaz speaks about a crush trying to build up the courage to say something; reminding me of Tevin Campbell’s song  Can We Talk (I used to dream of having vocals like Tevin Campbell since I first heard him sing on The Goofy Movie). 

Though Nessa and I no longer date, she still keeps in touch from time to time, not once letting me live down the fact that she put me on to the musician known as Brent Faiyaz. I can’t lie, there would be times in class when I caught myself humming So Far Gone/Fast Life Bluez. Everytime and other songs deeper into the album. Each time he comes to New York, Nessa lets me know so that I could get a chance to see him live. In all honesty, I just might take her up on the next offer. 

– W.I.B.