Teedra Moses continues celebrating her lauded debut album with her new EP, Complex Simplicity (Reimagined).
The mini project includes eight reworked versions of songs from the album, with features from Dawn Richard, Estelle, Durand Bernarr, Ab-Soul, Theo Croker, Rose Gold and Gerald Clayton.
“When revisiting Complex Simplicity, I wanted to reconnect with the softer, more feminine parts of myself and bring that sensuality forward,” explained Moses. “When I recorded the original album, my approach was more aggressive because of where I was in life. With this reimagined version, I wanted to honor the lyrics fans have loved for two decades, while evolving the production to create something that feels both familiar and new.”
Estelle appears on “Doin You (Reimagined),” which was produced by Jacques Pierre. “The reimagining concept for ‘Doin’ You’ was to make women and men dance together,” Moses noted. “The rhythm Jacques and I came together on automatically invited Estelle. She is all these feels: sensual, sexy, soulful, fun and free!”
Bernarr is featured on the dancefloor-ready “Complex Simplicity (Reimagined),” helmed by Byron the Aquarius. “Durand Bernarr is an amazing artist in personality, performance, on stage and on record, an amazing vocalist, arranger, and songwriter,” Moses said.
“On this particular record, it really helps that he’s my friend because the song ‘Complex Simplicity’ is truly one of the most personal, yet extremely celebratory, songs I’ve ever written. He came in and did what he does best, which added more color, texture, and good feelings to a record that already felt really good. It was a seamless fit.”
Bernarr added, “The fact that I had an opportunity to reimagine music that was the soundtrack to moments in my life is beyond imaginable, and I’m extremely grateful to have this moment. Plus, Teedra is my girl!”
Complex Simplicity was released in 2004 via TVT Records. The classic R&B album included the singles “You’ll Never Find (a Better Woman)” featuring Jadakiss, “Be Your Girl,” and “You Better Tell Her.”
Last November, she performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert in honor of the album’s 20th anniversary. “Thank y’all so much for having me to celebrate 20 years of my debut album, Complex Simplicity,” Moses told the crowd and viewers. “It’s been a blessing to me. Thank you for being on the journey. I appreciate it. Life is still complex simplicity, so thug it out.”
Stream Teedra Moses’ Complex Simplicity (Reimagined) EP below.
