A silky smooth hook on GoldLink’s 2017 hit “Crew” was all it really took for Brent Faiyaz to become one of the brightest R&B stars of the past decade.
The earnestness in his soft, vulnerable vocals can carry any message and deliver it with sweet, sharp and precise tones. Back that with deep, bass-driven beats that favour minimalism and it’s no surprise to see the 28-year old selling out shows around the world.
Next Frank Ocean? Maybe. But Brent’s appeal is a bit more niche than that.
Over the past few years, Faiyaz has been crooning through bangers like “Gang Over Luv” and “Trust” in a way that keeps things very anchored towards hip hop, landing on a unique sound that’s entirely his. But the man’s music is much more than just “vibes”. The songwriting is honest, brutal and open, unafraid to talk about toxicity and the ills of modern relationships (and there are a lot of those) in an age where people get their relationship advice from hurt people on TikTok and self-absorbed WhatsApp groups rather than therapists and books.
With the man finally gracing Australia with a tour this month, we’ve selected three songs you should get across before heading along to one of his shows – that is, if you can get a ticket.
1. Crew
Much like how Bruno Mars exploded after crooning the hook on B.O.B’s “Nothin’ On You,” Faiyaz soaked up all the hype from his performance on “Crew”.
2. Trust
Much like Jeremih, people really didn’t start seeing Brent’s potential until he started with the EPs. These short projects really gave him room to put out short, hard-hitting classics like this beauty.
3. Gang Over Luv
As one of his most popular songs, this one should hit the exact spot at his shows. You already know the deal – just a perfect song.
Brent Faiyaz brings his “F*ck The World Its A Wasteland Tour down to Australia this month. All tickets and information can be found at Live Nation.
