Adrian Marcel has released his new EP RNBAY SZN.
The six-track offering blends R&B with elements of hyphy, which derives from his hometown, Oakland, California, also known as the Bay Area.
The project opens with “Bip City,” which features Bay Area legend E-40. “‘Bip City,’ our debut single, serves as the cornerstone for the introduction of our unique RNBAY genre,” Marcel tells Rated R&B.
He continues, “It encapsulates the essence and spirit of the Bay Area through the lens of R&B. We’ve ingeniously redefined a term often used negatively, infusing it with a more player-like vibe reminiscent of E-40’s style. This transformation has earned us the esteemed approval of the Water himself, a validation of our unique approach.”
RNBAY SZN also includes features from Jane Handcock (“So Good“), CRSB, Lulbearrubberband, and DJ Drama. The Philadelphian DJ appears on the EP’s central track, “Pullin Up,” produced by Sonny B. and Kev Choice.
“‘Pullin’ Up’ was the first record Sonny B. and I worked on together with Kev Choice. It was the switch for me. It opened me up to this new sound and new creative process,” Marcel says.
“I had never heard myself in this way, and I loved it. To this day, it’s my favorite record out of the 250+ records in the vault we’ve made since 2021. Not to mention, putting DJ Drama on it just sealed the deal! Having Drama on a Bay record of this caliber was monumental and continues to push the line on the RNBAY genre.”
RNBAY SZN is the follow-up to Marcel’s 2019 album, 98th.
Stream Adrian Marcel’s RNBAY SZN below.
