BOY MEETS WORLD is a 15-track project from rapper  TRU LEE and producer Shay On The Beat. The duo recently joined forces to bring listeners a smooth blend of R&B, hip-hop with a dash of house music vibes underpinned by relatable songwriting and well-crafted tracks.

 

The project starts right away with “INTRO/BESTFRIEND,” a reflective tune that explores blossoming love and the dynamics of building relationships in this modern world. The track is divided into two halves, with the first being a dreamy and atmospheric backdrop with Tru-Lee delivering a fusion of expressive raps, while the second half is an upbeat Jersey club jam riddled with layered melodies. Next is the upbeat and somewhat playful “DONT BE AFRAID,” which showcases Tru-Lee’s stylish melodic flows and catchy songwriting skills. This is followed by the warm Afrobeats/Salsa-inspired “FEELINGS” which sees Tru-Lee pouring adulations on that special someone as he realizes that feelings are brewing. This leads to “HURRY,”  a mid-tempo dance tune ripe with a catchy mantra-like hook and sultry breathy melodies.

 

“SILENCE” continues the bouncy vibes but with a distinct twist. The production has a brooding and atmospheric feel and it fits Tru-Lee’s distinct vocal drawl and extensive use of soft melodic phrases and emotionally driven harmonies. Tru Lee sure knows how to keep the party going as heard on the Jersey club banger “AINT NOTHIN LIKE IT,” and the future dance-soul vibes of “YOURSELF” which is reminiscent of Kaytranada. “MESQUITE” employs an experimental soundscape that slowly soars but it’s built on a simple solemn string pass with surreal sound design techniques that change up toward the end into a snapping bouncy piece. It is the longest running track with a 5-minute run time.

 

Tru-Lee teams up with Corbin Butler on the adulation-filled trippy track “HER WORLD”  and delivers an enthralling vocal performance on “BODY.” Other tracks like the sublime “NOW & LATER,” the summer-soul vibes of “ELECTRIC LADY” featuring JAEHARPER and the duet “LOVE NEVER FADES” with Jade Idalia. These tracks are a testament to Tru-Lee’s vocal range and unbridled versatility as a genre-bending artist. The project closes with  the reflective and warm “STUCK ON YOU” and the jazz-bluesy “WHEN YOU’RE READY.” Here, Tru-Lee pours his all on wax as he comes to terms with his feelings and emotions. He doesn’t shy from being vulnerable and candid on some tracks and playful on others.

 

Overall, BOY MEETS WORLD is a perfect addition to your love-themed playlist. I love how seamlessly he weaves different genres without missing a beat and his knack for rich and soul-stirring melodic runs makes every track enjoyable as well.