Goapele unwraps the music video for her intoxicating and lush R&B gem, “Stay,” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid. In the abstract clip, directed by Sean Alexander, the camera lens focuses in on the West Coast songstress as she picks up the pieces.
“‘Stay’ is all about how to stay in a relationship past the newness and love stronger,” Goapele told ESSENCE. “BJ was the perfect match for this 808 ballad. He has a classic but effortless vocal performance.”
Produced by Cornelio Austin, “Stay” is the fourth single off Goapele’s new project, Dreamseeker, released via EMPIRE / SKYBLAZE. The set, which follows 2014’s Strong As Glass, peaked in the Top 10 of iTunes Top R&B/Soul Chart.
In 2016, Goapele made a conscious decision to return to her roots while composing the music that would be ‘Dreamseeker.’
“I felt like it was time to reconnect with my original self,” she affirms. “I didn’t want to overthink anything. It’s about being boundless and getting back to that soul, R&B, funk, and even some hip-hop. I took pieces of me and let them be more raw. As an independent artist these days, there are no rules. That’s comforting because it’s how I started.”
Watch the video for “Stay” below:
Goapele’s “Stay” featuring BJ The Chicago Kid is a soulful R&B track that explores the complexities of relationships and the struggle to keep love from fading away. The song begins with a gentle instrumental backdrop, characterized by warm guitar chords, smooth synths, and a laid-back rhythm. The production has a relaxed and intimate feel, creating an inviting space for the vocals to shine.
Goapele’s vocals are smooth and expressive, delivering her lines with a mix of tenderness and emotion. She has a distinctive voice that brings a sense of sincerity and vulnerability to the song. Her performance is heartfelt, emphasizing the lyrics’ longing and the desire to hold onto a relationship that’s slipping away.
BJ The Chicago Kid’s feature adds depth and soul to the track, his rich voice complementing Goapele’s vocals. He brings a subtle intensity to the song, with a smooth delivery that enhances the emotional narrative. The interplay between the two artists creates a harmonious blend, highlighting the connection and tension between their voices.
Lyrically, “Stay” explores themes of love, uncertainty, and the effort to keep a relationship from falling apart. The lyrics focus on the struggles and emotional turmoil of trying to maintain a connection, with a sense of urgency and desperation. The chorus is memorable and evocative, emphasizing the plea to “stay” despite the challenges.
Overall, “Stay” by Goapele featuring BJ The Chicago Kid is a soulful and emotive track that resonates with anyone who’s faced the uncertainty of a fading relationship. Its smooth production and heartfelt vocals create a poignant and relatable experience, making it a compelling addition to playlists that explore the complexities of love and relationships.
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