Tag Archives: Ferina

Aug 21 2024
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PartyNextDoor – P4

It’s no coincidence that the state of R&B was in question during Party’s recent hiatus, and as more of his offspring appear, despite no new music since 2020’s Partymobile, his influence remains, and as more low quality attempts continued, it was only a matter of time until the real returned to restore order, with the highly anticipated fourth instalment to his now classic self-titled series.

The demand for new PartyNextDoor music was always there, and late 2023 waters were tested with singles Her Old Friends and Resentment appearing before the official album announcement/roll out. Whilst fans jumped at new PND, it was evident that a project was needed, and when it was announced that it was ‘P4’, anticipation rocketed.

Couple festival appearances served as a reminder of his position as one of the premier musicians, also highlighting his intent to be back outside, reinvigorating the classics and revelling in the prolepsis.

The final single before the album’s release was Real Woman, and while the more potent of the singles, an artist of Party’s magnitude could’ve easily just dropped this album with no promo and I believe it wouldn’t have been any less successful. Then there’s the artwork unveiling, provocative, it did what was required of it, though initially dubious of the choice, you trust the artist’s reasoning and ultimately it signified grown and sexy, a sure reflection of the music to follow.

After almost a minute of firework infused ambience, he croons, “Take off your clothes..”, the opening line sets the tone, aligns the artwork and the movie begins. Off rip it’s quirky quotables delivered in innovative harmonies. Track 2, a previously teased snippet, didn’t fail, with it’s unorthodox DMX sample, Lose My Mind adds to a strong start. Stuck In My Ways, whilst slowing tempo, offers that vulnerability missing from today’s music, the personal outro/interludes provide that personal touch, encompassed throughout the journey of the album. Track 4, Cheers, naturally adds to an organic playlist of party vibes, and maintains his distinct penmanship, “Tamia, Tamia, officially missing me..”, it’s those cultural nuances that can’t be replicated. Complete with the interlude of his girl getting on his case, which perfectly segues into Make It To The Morning, another track that shouldn’t be as catchy as it is, well crafted, another solid example of the male accountability wrapped in charm that’s scarce of late. Track 6, “Ever since I copped you all that ice, you got no chill..”, No Chill, and the previous single, Her Old Friends, both showcase different skillsets in style and cadence despite being similar tempos, which, in addition to The Retreat interlude, perfectly sets up the secret summer smash he’s had in the tuck, For Certain. That entire transition took me by surprise and that’s what you ultimately expect from a PND project. For Certain, the afrobeats sound with the right level of bass and hi-hats to deliver a blend of raw yet clean sound, it’s a progressive step from the man responsible for some of the biggest hits from your favourites, and really might not have fulfilled it’s potential with a combination of behind the scenes industry manoeuvrings and a particular rap feud that shifted momentum. But back to what matters, the music, and Party doubles down on his antics with Sorry, But I’m Back Outside, the aptly titled slow jam sonically leans to the grown side of things, with more lines you can expect to belt out like, “I shouldn’t even be outside, I got somebody inside waiting on me..”. Credit again to the sequencing of this project, with the overwhelming outro, that introduces another single, Real Woman. The song was quality when it first appeared, however it’s amplified within the album, though not the last song, it does feel like the climax of the album, with the necessary A Mother’s Prayer (Interlude), the more personal Family, and the single Resentment serving as the curtain closer of what is, another quality body of music, even beyond R&B, the roll out makes sense as it’s another masterpiece in the discography, now etched in history, once again raising the bar and reinstating his position as one of the leading artists today.

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Jul 07 2017
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PartyNextDoor – Colours 2

It’s no denying that PND is quietly been at the forefront of the new R&B/Soul wave, though his first two projects may not have directly shown such with it’s electro-fusion, he proved his diversity further with the release of Colours, it boasted cuts such as Let’s Get Married, (the ever so personal) Girl From Oakland and the fan-favourite Travis Scott featured Jus Know. That project acted as a segue for his third album, which further cemented his status as one of the premier talents, leading to writing credits for some of the biggest songs of the year, including Rihanna – Work. Still one to let his craft do the talking, and with glimpses of his talent provided through features, he dropped the sequel to Colours (following suit of his simply titled projects), with Colours 2.

What makes PartyNextDoor important, is his ability to dictate the sound, it’s authenticity aside, the Mississauga crooner continues to pioneer. A highly talented producer himself, Colours 2 sees him work once again with fellow Ferina member, up and coming producer G Ry, this time on the majority of the project. G Ry is most certainly one to listen out for, along with the likes of Bizness Boi, they’re bringing the soul back into productions, reinstating that depth that makes it connect so strongly with a listener.

Colours 2, like the original, is 4 tracks deep, but it truly is quality over quantity, as each track is a moment in itself, starting with Peace of Mind, it’s laid back, Party keeps it G as he checks in with his lady whilst out on the grind, it’s an ode to love, and putting ‘her’ first. Having recently penned hits for DJ Khaled (Shining ft. Beyonce & Jay-Z and Wild Thoughts ft. Bryson Tiller & Rihanna), his writing ability is getting the recognition it deserves, and Freak In You is another example, combined with his unique cadences, PND really executes a record like no other. This homage to the Jodeci classic Freak In You, with lines like, “rush rush rush, baby, just like Kimora Lee..”, only PND could pen such a simple line with such complex definitions, as he oozes confidence throughout the record, not before he’s unafraid to unveil vulnerability, on what sounds like a chart smash, Low Battery.

There have been jokes regarding him hiding the record, to keep it for himself, but within that humour, there is a point being made, that if this was released by any other major recording artist today, it would be a sure fire hit. “Have you ever lied? It’s a dumb question, baby girl, ’cause everybody lies, but did you lie..with someone else?..”, over the uptempo melody, to give it such context rather than some generic sing-a-long bullshit, is exactly why PartyNextDoor has developed such a strong and loyal fanbase. Just when you think that was the best, the tempo slows down, and he captivates you with the final track, Rendezvous, as he tries to make sense of what ‘she’ wants, he continues to spring metaphors effortlessly, “How many times did I get you wet, that night I pulled up to the dock..”, while most artists today are loud over social media, he keeps it all in the music, which not only gives it depth, but a stronger sense of authenticity, and relevance as he pays homage with lines like, “I’m not fooled by the money that you got, you still Jenny from the muthafuckin’ block..”

To share from experience and make it so relatable for audiences is no easy task, unless you’re PartyNextDoor it seems. As much as I am a fan of his own productions, with G Ry, they’ve really crafted and put together a very strong soulful offering, raising expectations for his next album even further.

 

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