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Written over the course of two years, Voice Notes is a master compilation of deep R&B and soul-drenched jazz, reintroducing Yazmin Lacey to the world in a matured cloak.

Opening up with a narration of a tweet from Flying Lotus referring to self-consciousness as the creativity killer, we immediately witness the journey of the UK artist assuming self-resourced confidence and standing in the full spectrum of her potential. As an already-respected voice in the soul realm, Lacey still took it upon herself to prove her worthiness of the space she’s taking up, and whether it was for herself or for us, we can only hope she takes up even more. 

Executive produced by Dave Okumu, Voice Notes is composed impeccably. The percussion in “Fool’s Gold” alone is a recall to ancestral ritual, coming back to the bare bones of music in a brand new way. While you hear notes of influence from artists like Erykah Badu and Raheem DeVaughn, the project is still completely Lacey’s. It’s deep red and multilayered, stopping and slowing while shapeshifting through every iteration of jazz, from neo to Bossa Nova to Caribbean.  

“Where Did You Go?” is a standout track, with vocals stacked so hypnotically they dance around its instrumentation like water. “Bad Company” has also garnered its own fame, earning a spot on the BBC Introducing playlist, while “Tomorrow’s Child” is a nod to the legacy of reggae, an ode to the artist’s roots.

It’s difficult to not be entranced by Lacey. There’s so much life lived in her voice, calling on the wisdom of her future self while letting who she stands in today feed on sun rays. There is a story of self-liberation told throughout the project, landing at its final track “Sea Glass,” which gives thanks to the guidance found in Mother Water. Her Divine Feminine is one to be witnessed, as artists that encompass the word as fully are few and far in between. 

Listen to Voice Notes below: