At an exclusive listening party at the Slow Jamz Gallery in downtown Los Angeles, BENJI. held an album preview party in celebration of his forthcoming EP, Love Gun II. The Pittsburgh native and member of Spillage Village (Earth Gang, J.I.D., 6lack, Mereba) gave fans a taste of the new EP that’s slated to drop July 19 via Guin Records / Since The 80s.
The evening was short and sweet, filled with friends and family, fantastic D.J. sets, the most potent drinks I’ve ever had, and a red pitbull I would like to deem the cutest party crasher in town. It only took an hour and a half of partygoers trying to get the uninvited guest, i.e., the pit bull, back outside to his owner and far away from the finger foods and designer couch buttons he wanted to chew before the party started, but it was worth it.
BENJI. started the night with a song he hopes will be his next single on Love Gun II, titled “Radio.” This is a certified hit in my book. If we were still in the day and age where radio play was the key to success, this would be at the top of the charts with its undeniable instant replay value and that nostalgic vibe we all love in our R&B music. Followed by four more songs and a preview track, against his manager’s wishes, that will be on Love Gun II—the crowd was vibing, and the candle-lit mini stage glistened as everyone swayed to the beats.
Love Gun II holds eight songs in its discography, leaning into the journal entry feeling of personal development and love and loss. While the tracklist hasn’t been announced, and I don’t want to spoil too much, this EP leans more towards experimental R&B, with both psychedelic and pop-punk tones. Think Frank Ocean mixed in with your favorite Green Day track with a dash of 2000’s Marques Houston. I know that’s a wild explanation sonically and visually, but trust me, when you hear these yet to be released tracks and you will understand.
But don’t fret, R&B lovers; a few slow jams are sprinkled in for you.
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Photos & Words by Asha Moné
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