The Love is Real is an affecting new album from Jimmy B Fearless, enveloping with a memorable blend of hip-hop, pop, and soul. The impactful release explores the pivotal role of love in everyone’s life, whether in the form of romance, friendship, or family. These various expressions of adoration are conveyed across the 13 tracks — from emotional and physical connections, to forms of admiration and family bonds. There’s also an acknowledgement of how love’s power can result in emotional damage, leading to feelings of helplessness and heartbreak. Love makes our worlds go round, and The Love is Real ventures into these complexities within a melodic melding of hip-hop and soulful pop.
Hailing from Wilmington, Delaware, Jimmy B Fearless cites influences like Outkast, Future, and MF Doom. As such, an emotional yet melodically immersive sound takes hold, predominantly venturing into atmospheric and rhythmic hip-hop sounds. Expressive vocal adornments, especially from guest vocalists like JuJu Walker, injects a soulful charisma alongside. Walker’s presence on opening track “Helpless” is invigorating, lamenting how one is “driving me insane / got your love on my brain,” as moody synths linger. Jimmy’s hip-hop flow re-emerges seamlessly as the rhythms return, escalating into references to vengeance and brooding as the track attains a beautiful fusing of soul and hip-hop.
“The Weekend” follows, presenting a nocturnal yet playful hip-hop flair with shades of early Kendrick. “Turn the weekday to the weekend,” debonair vocals repeat, then retracing weekdays with harmonious cohesion. Similar seize-the-day sentiments show on “Hol Up,” while also cautioning to not become overly lost in good times and those who offer them without regard for consequences. Other successes exude a more heartfelt vulnerability. “I’m invisible, I don’t wanna be forgettable,” Jimmy sings on the ensuing “Invisible,” immersing in its lush R&B/hip-hop embedding within palpable striving for recognition and love.
The album’s explorations of love and its various forms also revolve around the concept of “forgetting what she said.” The metaphorical references how a beloved can cause emotional damage, and result in extreme pain. “Hit My Line (ft. Homage)” infuses heady vocal entrancement and delectably eerie beats in capturing this well, with “you ain’t telling me,” touting how love requires communication. Another standout, “Forget (ft. K.Teaggzz)” is particularly memorable within the aforementioned “forgetting what she said,” mantra. A yearning for “better vibes,” pairs with haunting piano and buzzing bass for a moving success, depicting one’s heart on the floor following damaging words from someone important. A thorough success delivered from the heart, The Love is Real is a strong replay-inducer from Jimmy B Fearless.
The Love is Real will be exclusively available as a digital download, CD + digital download, or vinyl + digital download on jimmybfearless.com.
