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A raw, layered track and shadowy visuals mark the start of redveil’s next evolution.
Today, rising star redveil returns with his brand-new single and music video “brown sugar”, a collaboration with acclaimed St. Louis rapper Smino. The track arrives as the next step in redveil’s evolving sound, following the surprise drop of “square one” earlier this year. Where “square one” hinted at transition, “brown sugar” fully embraces it, weaving together intricate arrangements, layered instrumentation, and a richer sonic palette that signals the beginning of his next creative chapter.
The accompanying video, directed by Tyler Shuler, expands on this vision with a striking visual language. Shot in ornate interiors and styled with deliberate detail, the film leans into warm tones and bold contrasts, closing on the enigmatic reveal of a shadowy figure, an image that teases the narrative arc of redveil’s new era.
Musically, “brown sugar” is a testament to redveil’s self-sufficiency as a producer. He handled the track’s core production himself, while enlisting a circle of collaborators to elevate its texture: Johnny May contributes keys, strings, and synths; Faith Carey leads a choir that adds gospel-like depth; Keelan Walters provides guitar lines that cut through the mix; and Allayna O’Quinn layers in additional vocals that enrich the song’s atmosphere. The result is a track that feels both expansive and intimate, balancing redveil’s lyrical sharpness with lush instrumentation.
This release builds on the momentum redveil has steadily cultivated since his breakout. In 2022, his debut album learn 2 swim earned him critical acclaim, with Pitchfork calling him “a new rap star to watch” and outlets like NPR, Vulture, and The FADER praising his introspective lyricism and forward-thinking production. The following year, he dropped the playing w/ fire EP on the eve of his 19th birthday, a project that coincided with his first sold-out headline tour across North America and a standout performance at the 2023 Camp Flog Gnaw Festival.
Now, at just 21, redveil is stepping into a new phase of his career, one defined by greater ambition, sharper vision, and a willingness to experiment with sound and storytelling. “brown sugar” is a statement of intent, a glimpse into the expansive world he’s building, and a reminder that his rise is only just beginning.
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