JUNO-winning R&B artist Dru Grange continues his steady wave of 2018 releases with his latest single, “You,” powered by Producer X.
The Mississauga-native dropped the track and accompanying video this week and both offer many of the attributes that make a track optimal for cuffing season – sensuous vocals, suggestive lyrics, a flirtatious melody, and seductive visuals.
“You” is HipHopCanada’s Song of the Day and available on various digital streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.
We chatted with Dru about this release and about his thoughts on Canada’s current R&B landscape.
Check that out below along with the new Ajay Serjue-directed video.
Q&A: Dru
HipHopCanada: Tell us about the single — what’s the story behind it? What story do you want listeners to take away when they hear it?
Dru: My single “You” was inspired by my love for R&B music. [The track was inspired by] real emotion [to deliver] music that makes you feel something. “You” talks about love or lust at first sight, that feeling you get when you meet that special someone and instantly you know that they are all you will ever need physically and emotionally. That person brings out a sexual desire in you that you never felt before.
HipHopCanada: What was the inspiration behind the video?
Dru: I knew I wanted to find a dance couple as the focus for this video. I wanted to find dancers that understood the emotion of the song and the sexual tension. I want the viewer to really pay attention to the lyrics and the vibe I’m giving. When dancers move to music the song really comes to life and is now given a purpose. When a dancers hit certain beats it really highlights the emotion of the moment and can really bring lyrics to reality.
HipHopCanada: How would you describe the sound of the track?
Dru: “You” has a taste of conventional 90s R&B with a sexy 2018 emo vibe. This song is “baby-making music” at its best.
HipHopCanada: Do you have any plans to reunite with the members of In Essence in the near future?
Dru: You never know what the future holds, but as for right now I’m focused on my new album, The Rebirth 2020, coming 2019.
HipHopCanada: How have you seen R&B evolve since you started your career?
Dru: I have watched R&B evolve over the years. It’s in a very interesting position right now. We have so many different types of R&B – we’ve got conventional, trap, soul, gospel, pop, and now sung rap – it seems like it keeps evolving. As artists, we need to know our lane and where we shine brightest. I’m sure as time goes on it will keep evolving; it’s up to us to see how we can evolve with it.
HipHopCanada: What are your views on Canada’s R&B scene? Is it bubbling? How would you describe the sound of the country’s brand of R&B?
Dru: Canada’s R&B scene is dope as f*ck. Nobody can deny that we have impacted the world with our sound and talent. [There are] so many new artists I can’t even keep up anymore, it’s a beautiful thing. One thing that we still lack though, in my humble opinion, is the ability to work together. I think a big problem in the Canadian R&B scene is that everyone wants to [blow-up] on their own and we don’t work together enough to help each other come up. Like k-os said, “crabs in a bucket.” I feel we still need to shake that mentality. As a country [we] have “COME UP” big time and I’m proud to still be relevant in these exciting times.
You can follow @DruGrange on Instagram, and follow @DruGrange on Twitter.