5 Years.
That’s how long we’ve been in this decade so far. Don’t even get me started on the events that transpired up to this point. One aspect of culture, music, has made countless strides and development within the medium this era.
As you all know, I’ve documented artists such as Ojerime and Corey Lingo, who are honing their crafts and evolving their genres in exciting ways. That’s why it’s satisfying to be able to cover this musician. One that is breaking boundaries within the fusion of Alternative and R&B. Plus, he dropped arguably album of the year. Ladies and Gentleman, may I present you, Nourished By Time.
Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland. AKA Marcu Brown is two years removed from the acclaim of his 2023 debut, “Erotic Probiotic 2”. The basement beginnings led to him signing with XL Records, where he released the EP, “Catching Kitchens”(2024) and his recent 2nd album, “The Passionate Ones. The latter is already making one hell of an impression among music enthusiasts and aficionados.
“The Passionate Ones”(2025) continues Nourished By Time’s miraculous blend of Lo-Fi Indie Pop, Electro-Punk, and early-mid 90s R&B. The soundscapes are likened to that of a walk within NYC: the smell of that fresh air-cigarette fusion, the skyline lights, and the ghostly echoes of the terminal. His wonky, murky vocals set the vibe to its max potential.
Some of my favorite songs on the album, “Automatic Love” and “It’s Time” carry that live band feel that is present in his works but this time, carries melodies that recall 90’s R&B groups Jodeci and SWV, respectively.
He even swoons on “Tossed Away”, where he says: “And I heard a song/Been at it, chasing unicorns/ And I’m waiting on the horn”. Which exemplifies his perspective as a dreamer, bound by heart and law.
Furthermore, I was impressed by Nourished’s musicianship. Songs such as “9 2 5”, “Crazy People”, “Idiot In The Park”, and “When The War Is Over” all have cerebral, solemn musical arrangements that would make an 80s Funk band like CAMEO nod and praise in “kid at a candy shop” approval. It’s rather atmospheric and world-bending in how it hypnotizes your mind. Very good to listen to with BEATS headphones or a speaker.
Overall, Nourished By Time’s “The Passionate Ones” is an excellent album for those into the whole Post R&B schtick. A great album to play anywhere but especially at a late night on the highway. Run those streams up on Spotify, YouTube Music, or anywhere your ears are glued to. This is an album for the ages.
