In an era filled with AI and socio-political tension, most male artists have not truly strived to push boundaries in musicality and cultural leadership. Those who are not afraid to speak on topics that are atypical outside of the usual love, sex, and heartbreak. R&B is a genre known for its storytelling, and it’s saddening that we’re losing that essence of what made it impactful to not only the world, but to the Black American experience. There is about 20% that fills that void, such as Brent Faiyaz, Anderson PAAK, Sonny Miles, Sebastian Mikael, Isaiah Falls, Diamond Cafe, Hudson East, etc., who are carrying that spirit in one way or another. And this artist is included in that plethora of perspectives.
Corey Lingo, also known as “The Plugg N B God,” hails from ATL, Georgia. The artist used to be a producer for many rappers, such as Ski Mask, the Slump God, and UnoTheActivist, to name a few. He used to be a member of the renowned BeatPluggz before venturing into singing, where he later became his aforementioned nickname.
Inspired by 90s R&B and Gospel, Corey recontextualizes those influences into dreamy melodies and sparse, disjointed drum programming. A sound that is heard on his projects such as “For What It’s Worth”(2024) and “Go Where From Here” (EP, 2025). Lingo’s voice has a gentle grain – almost as if he’s talking to you in a conversational tone but with melody.
His sound, at times, calls back to that mid to late 2000s R&B wave. Ex. Pretty Ricky, The Dream, Bobby Valentino, Ciara, Keyshia Cole, etc. This is shown in songs like “Call On You,” “Bad Enough,” and “You Tell Me.” Perhaps his greatest attribute is his vulnerability. Corey makes you feel his words about relationship consistency and emotional honesty. This is best displayed in the aforementioned song “Call On You”, he even sorrowfully sings that he’ll let the beat cry. Showing his ability to blend sensation and creativity.
The best way to describe Corey Lingo’s music is that it is a soundtrack to a backyard kickback during golden hour. One of his best songs, “Partynextdoor,” has him sounding close to an electric guitar, which helps give it the sunset, chilled-out atmosphere he has. There were times when his songs sounded straight out of Code Lyoko: a digital slop filled with warmth and melodic bounces.
If you want to hear more from Corey Lingo, make sure to follow him on all music platforms. He’s an artist who should have your attention and heart.
