Crush

Crush is a pivotal 2018 EP that marked a significant evolution for Ravyn Lenae, largely due to her collaboration with executive producer Steve Lacy (of The Internet). While her previous work leaned into more ambient, 'moon shoes' R&B, Crush introduced a sharper, funkier edge characterized by Lacy's distinctive 'plug-and-play' guitar and bass style. The project is notable for its brevity and impact, distilling Lenae's high-register vocal prowess into five tracks of tight, rhythmic soul. Critics, including those at AllMusic, praised the EP for its cohesive vision and the way it showcased Lenae's growth as a songwriter. The lead single 'Sticky' became a breakout hit, defining the 'neo-soul' landscape of the late 2010s. The EP's success solidified Lenae's position as a leading voice in the 'Chicagoland' music scene alongside peers like Noname and Saba, while proving her ability to adapt her ethereal style to more structured, groove-oriented production.