New York City continues to be a hotspot for up-and-coming talent. Artists such as Laila, MIKE, Hurri Harran, Lexa Gates, Yaya Bey, and more have shown that the city is still a melting pot of hot, dope music. They’re all different soundscapes but evoke that classic NYC atmosphere: glowing skylights, sonorous terminals, and that fusion smell of fresh air and cigarettes. Amidst the familiarity—-there is one artist that I personally feel embodies that NYC resonance. And it’s none other than the man himself….Kelz2busy.
Hailing from Brooklyn, NY. Kelz2busy is carving out a distinct identity in the realm of R&B. His foxy, airy voice is intoxicating and shows that he is in the musical tree of The Weeknd, PartyNextDoor, and Brent Faiyaz. However, his sound is like hearing the sound of a chill breeze within the echoing subways roaming right past you yet it calms your mind.
I often say that he is the worthy successor to early East Coast Soul artists as well. A movement of R&B artists who’re from the Eastern Region of the United States who tend to have a brisk, hushed sound. Fitting, due to there rap counterparts similarly pulling from Jazz and Ambient samples.
In my opinion, Kelz2busy reminds me of Ginuwine and Jaheim of this style—as he carries a sense of masculine vulnerability. This is best displayed in his April 2024 On The Radar Freestyle, where he says: “Are we going right there/Like I put you on/You use to staying out there”. It has the street soul vibe but is introspective and conversational. Often having an ethereal, dancehall flavor in his songs.
Other songs such as “Why”, “6AM”, “Sinner”, and “Today” have a semi-slowed-and-reverbed soundscape. With deep basslines, syncopated rhythms, and melodic airy vocals–it’s enough to make the late Post Disco legend, Kashif proud. His style often harbors a cerebral and futuristically psychedelic soundscape paired with rap verses, soulful hooks and electronic textures. Themes usually range from loyalty, love, personal freedom, and regret. It all has a raw and head-nodding energy— “Sinner” and “Go” feel rather crystallized and lo-fi at times.
Now my biggest question……where is this man? He dropped the 2 pack of fire singles “Go” and “Body2Body” in November 2024. The latter by the way is still in rotation on my Youtube Music playlist. I need a full complete album from him ASAP.
Did I mention that he’s the only R&B artist wearing a durag and still harmonizing with clarity and succinctness. Massively impressive that he is young and already making fire music. As his namesake implies, he is probably busy creating a full-fledged project at this moment. But when he drops, it’s going to show the world why he’s such a hot commodity.
