B. Elise Digs Deep and Delivers A Very In-Depth R&B and Hip-Hop Album

A fresh release from B. Elise delivers a soirée of hip-hop and R&B flows that come through with loads of personality, which I feel like is one of the biggest things you get attached to throughout the record's unfolding.

This is an album that speaks volumes for the artist, as she delves into personal experience, attitude, and more, all with a polished production but a bit of a gritty side to everything.

One of my favorite aspects about this record is her lyrical phrasing on a lot of the wrapping sections. She's got a really particular way of bouncing her words between those beats, and it gives things a liveliness.

The energy is also amazing throughout this whole thing. Certain songs call for different kinds of that energy, but she always delivers it with a sort of boombastic approach, which I really enjoy because he grabs your attention no matter what you're doing.

This is also a pretty big album with loads of surprises around its corners, as she certainly showcases a slew of influences that she holds close to her heart and delivers them differently from song to song.

The record is called Steady Wins The Race, Vol.1, which definitely says a lot about some of the songs you're going to hear as well. This is a bit of an empowering release in certain sections, and you can feel that rise of spirit and energy as you listen.

I could open up with a track called "Too Far", and it's a single that definitely stands tall and does an amazing job of introducing the record.

You can hear some of the experimental side of her approach to laying down vocals along with the production.

There are no two songs that are really super alike on this record, and so each one is a bit of a new feel, and it keeps the album constantly feeling refreshing.

"Strange Love" comes through as one of the more personal songs as she lets a lot of inner thoughts come out for all to soak in. I really enjoy these aspects because you can usually hear on songs like this that she's giving pieces of herself in the music.

By the time you get halfway through the album, you begin to realize that these are stories about her life. They are almost like diary entries, and in that sense they connect.

She also is a pretty outstanding Storyteller. Some of the lyrics on certain songs like "Pardon" paint an amazing picture as the song plays through. She can get detailed and pretty descriptive as she tells those stories, and never leaves out the emotional aspect of things.

This whole record does have a pretty heavy-handed emotional backbone. Certain songs come with different emotions, but it's the emotions that really drive the music.

A lot of the production throughout the record is spot on. You have depth, vastness in the undertones of songs, and that sort of spaciousness breeds layers that you end up loving.

In that sense, some of these songs feel kind of cinematic. Of course, that emotional aspect also gives the filmic sensation, but it's the instrumentation and effects that also set the mood for the lyrics.

I think it's the combination of those things that really makes all of this work so well.

"Heartbreak Hotel" is an insanely catchy track with unique production to it. I love her vocal effects and how she fits those words in in such a particular way. Everything about this track becomes very addictive. When it's over, you immediately want to start it again just so you can hear the hooks.

You can definitely tell, along with the R&B and hip-hop, there's plenty of neo-soul, a little bit of Afrobeat, and more all coming into play.

The whole record is beautifully done and extremely well woven, with rises in intensity in certain areas.

Some of the lines, lyrics, and story stick with you for long after the songs have ended. The same goes for some of those hooks.

The cool thing about a record like this is that she did it with fewer walls built around it than whatever you may be used to, but still kept a lot of that radio-friendly sensibility intact.

She knows how to write great hooks, addictive melodies, and powerful lyrics that leave you thinking in the end.

If you're not thinking about those lyrics, you're likely humming some of the melodies coming from the choruses or even the verses at times.

This is a very in-depth record. There's a lot to chew on, and I recommend listening to it from start to finish, all in one shot.

The whole thing is just over a half hour but boasts 12 Songs.

Most certainly don't miss out on this one. Take a deep dive into this record and see how it affects you.

Where did this record come from and what is it about?

From ME, lol. I’m into a lot of music all kinds as a lot of us are. This EP is my first it was sponsored by @madein_ny and @nyfacurrent via NYC’s Mayor’s Office. I chose to go with the name “Steady Wins The Race, Vol.1” because that’s how I feel I’ve achieved in life and this EP though I am an indie artist, I know it will have an impact that suppresses my level of artistry.  

It is something that I can say is an ensemble of my journey, that’s it through not only lyric and melody but each song has its own creation story. It’s the story within the songs and the story behind the songs that makes each of them so special to me. 

Now NYC did not support me and my artistry for nothing, so hopefully those that listens to the EP can gain the same impact that leads them to be a life long supporter. 

I am hearing several approaches here! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?

I have a varied selection of influences. 

Tupac, Frank Sinatra, Marvin Gaye, Whitney, most of the people who have influenced me are from times ago… in others word most of them have passed but…yea the list goes on. 

How did this all start for you as an artist and songwriter?

I’ve always wanted to be an artist. I have long memory so from all the way back to my teeny tiny times I can only recall wanting to be an artist. I think I was born knowing who I am in that sense lol and what I’ll be doing. 

Did you work with an outside producer on this one, or was it all you?

I wrote all the lyrics and melodies however, I did work with producers from USA and the Netherlands for the beats. My engineer and I worked on the songs to make magic! 

Did you record at a bigger studio, or a home DAW setup?

I recorded at bigger studios and smaller ones as long as the sound is the quality that I need, I’m all good. 

Are you performing live right now?

At the moment I’m not doing shows but will very soon so stay on the look out. Everyone can check out my social @itsb.elise or my website www.itsbelise.com for updates on future events. 

Now that this is out, what's next for you as an artist?

I’m working on my next project. I already have some singles so I’m definitely keeping busy. 

What would you say people can expect from this release?

IMPACT, IMPACT , IMPACT. This will be the difference not only for me but for music…don’t mind my strong faith in self lol. 

INSTAGRAM:@itsb.elise

TWITTER:@itsbelise

FACEBOOK:@B.Elise