VANTABLACK

Released in June 2024, VANTABLACK represents a significant chapter in Lalah Hathaway's discography, moving away from the traditional jazz-soul fusion of her mid-career work toward a more atmospheric, electronic-influenced R&B sound. The title refers to the darkest man-made substance, serving as a metaphor for the depth of her vocal range and the themes of Black identity and interiority explored across the 16 tracks. Produced with a focus on low-end frequencies and intricate vocal stacking, the album highlights her ability to perform polyphonic overtone singing, a technique she famously debuted on 'Something' with Snarky Puppy. Critics, including those at AllMusic, noted the album's cohesive mood and its successful integration of modern production with her timeless vocal pedigree. It stands as one of her most personal and sonically adventurous projects, cementing her status as a bridge between classic soul traditions and contemporary experimental R&B.