“Jam”- packed with poignancy and danceability

Kymani Floyd, known by his stage name Tama Gucci, produces “lofi neo-R&B” with “club-ready sensibilities” from his bedroom, and has attracted attention from the likes of Paper Magazine, FADER and Hunger TV. Tama Gucci co-produced his third EP, Almost Blue, released November 9th, with Nick Leon in early 2020. “For me, blue is a color that represents total comfort and fulfillment,” Tama Gucci told Out Front Magazine in an interview about the album. He hopes that fans can each relate to at least one song on the album and that the songs help them “feel some form of clarity or some type of resolution.”

The opening song, “Put It In Drive,” is cinematic in nature. It starts with a crescendo and starts off the album with energy. The lyrics are about driving away with a lover, and the song is simultaneously romantic, nostalgic and energizing.

“2 Wrongs Don’t Make It Right” is a candid recount of the speaker’s emotions, a monologue of one lover (or perhaps ex-lover) to another. It is passionate, intense and completely frank. The music is melancholy and slow; an instrument that sounds like a harp underlays the rest of the instruments in the track, very softly and reflectively, until the beat comes in, bringing more intensity to the piece. 

In the next song, “Bedroom,” the narrative seems to continue as the speaker asks their lover to discontinue fighting. The beat is full of movement, and the mood of the song is generally relaxed.

“Challenge,” which has been deemed by fans a “perfect TikTok song,” is extremely danceable and full of confidence. Its laidback rhythm, mixed with dance synths, is the perfect track for many occasions, whether hanging out with friends, dancing or just chilling alone at home. 

The saddest song on the album, “Sweater,” starts with a strong entrance. The lyrics are wistful and moving: “I felt this way before, and still I can’t pinpoint what’s exactly wrong.” It brings one to tears. Tama Gucci uses just strings and a simple beat to bring out the potency of the lyrics, and his vocals could be really poignant as a cappella. 

This EP, Almost Blue, with only seven tracks, brings tons of emotion to the table; there is no doubt it is worth a listen.