Kenyon Dixon has released his EP, The R&B Love: Soul of the ’70s. It’s the first of multiple installments of the deluxe version of his latest album, The R&B You Love.
“These installments of the deluxe are super intentional,” Dixon tells Rated R&B. “I’m such a fan of the music that got us here. I always want to find a way to pay homage to our musical pioneers and heroes.”
As its title suggests, Soul of the ’70s is dosed with sweet and sultry tunes inspired by the golden age of soul. The project includes the previously shared Grammy-nominated single “Lucky,” “Lucky Prelude (ILY)” and “Wait,” which all appear on the The R&B You Love.
Dixon opens the EP with “Too Long,” a breezy groove that finds him deeply enamored with his partner to the point where it pains him whenever she’s away. “Every time you’re gone / I just wonder when you’re coming home / ‘Cause even in my wildest dreams / Your love is all I need,” he sings.
On the velvety “Never Gonna Give You Up,” Dixon asserts his unwavering devotion to his woman: “Darling, don’t you see / You made a lover out of me.” Last but certainly not least is the instant slow dance anthem, “Can I Have This Groove.”
“Soul of the ’70s is all about that feeling of love and just groove overall. I’ve always felt deeply connected to that era of music on a soul level. So I felt like this effort was inevitable,” Dixon explains to Rated R&B.
The original version of The R&B You Love was released independently Sept. 29, 2023.
“I’ve been on a mission to make people demand and expect more from modern R&B. It’s such a sacred genre and deserves the best representation all around, from the studio to your speakers to the stage. I hope this album makes you fall back in love with R&B. Cheers to The R&B You Love,” Dixon told Rated R&B.
The R&B You Love, which was among Rated R&B’s 25 Best R&B Albums of 2023 list, included features by RL, Alex Isley, Tiffany Gouché and more.
Dixon, who co-wrote Justin Timberlake‘s new single “Drown,” is set to perform at the inaugural TwoGether Land Festival in Dallas, Texas, during Memorial Day weekend (May 25-26). The lineup also includes Summer Walker, Lil Wayne, Muni Long, Josh Levi, Mariah The Scientist and more.
Stream Kenyon Dixon’s new EP The R&B You Love: Soul of the ’70s below.