8 Ounces

Released in late 2016, 8 Ounces represents a pivotal creative shift for Justine Skye, moving away from the dance-leaning pop of her earlier work toward a more mature, cohesive R&B sound. The EP was written entirely by the legendary R&B songwriter The-Dream and produced by Tricky Stewart, a duo known for defining the sound of modern R&B icons. This collaboration resulted in a project that feels more like a singular artistic statement than a collection of singles. The title refers to the average weight of a human heart, signaling the emotional transparency found within the lyrics. Critically, it was praised for its focus and the chemistry between Skye's velvet vocals and the producers' minimalist, '90s-influenced arrangements. It stands as a bridge between the 'Tumblr R&B' era and the more grounded, soul-focused direction Skye would pursue in her independent career.