Leven Kali has seemingly been more keen to make his mark behind the scenes as of late, with a track record that includes contributing some of the best songs on Beyoncé’s most recent GRAMMY-winning albums RENAISSANCE and COWBOY CARTER. But our boy hasn’t forgotten about his own career in front of the mic. To that point, he reminds us of his magic with the release of his newest single “Are U Still.”
“Are U Still” is a self-produced cut that takes us on a musical journey with a few unexpected twists. It begins with a rock flair as crashing drums underscore a raspy vocal as Leven chants, “Are you still in love like / Are you still in love like / Are you still in love like I am.” Things then suddenly go smooth and wavy, with a lilting guitar line carrying the melodic line.
The song swings between the two extremes until we hit the halfway point. That’s when things switch up into a disco groove out of nowhere. The change isn’t unwelcome, though, as the groove is warm and inviting and continues to build, with piano and horns eventually joining the party. And then it gets unexpectedly jazzy thanks to a closing trumpet solo courtesy of Keyon Harrold.
“Are U Still” is less than four minutes in length, but it is an experience all on its own. If this is any indication of where Leven Kali will be taking us next, then we can’t wait to go along for the ride. Take a listen to the track right here and then lock in with the song’s official visualizer below.
