B-Side Guys

Maur Kii’s latest EP “MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS” emerges as a refreshing blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair. Released on October 6, 2024, this six-track, 15-minute collection weaves a compelling narrative that feels both timeless and unmistakably current.

Maur Kii, a multi-faceted artist with a background spanning military service and formal music education, brings a unique perspective to his craft. His experience working with established acts like Big Freedia and Rotimi shines through in the polished production and confident storytelling of this EP.

The project opens with “Streets,” a track that immediately sets the tone for the narrative to come. Maur Kii’s smooth vocals glide over a beat that could have been plucked from the late ’90s, yet the production feels crisp and modern. The double entendre in the hook – “The streets got another one” – cleverly plays with listener expectations, setting up the story of pursuit and attraction that unfolds throughout the EP.

“4 The Weekend” follows, diving deeper into the burgeoning romance at the heart of the narrative. Here, Maur Kii showcases his ability to paint vivid pictures with his lyrics, detailing the object of his affection with both admiration and desire. The production takes cues from early 2000s R&B, with lush harmonies and a rhythmic groove that’s impossible to resist.

The EP hits its stride with “Naked,” a sultry slow jam that ups the ante in terms of both narrative and musical complexity. Maur Kii’s vocals take on a more vulnerable quality here, as he makes his case to the woman he’s pursuing. The production, with its layered synths and trap-influenced drums, creates a soundscape that feels both intimate and expansive.

“Deeper,” featuring Aftrdrk, marks a shift in the EP’s tone. The collaboration brings a new energy to the project, with Aftrdrk’s verses providing a counterpoint to Maur Kii’s smooth delivery. The track’s more explicit nature feels earned within the context of the story, rather than gratuitous, a testament to Maur Kii’s skill as a narrator.

The penultimate track, “Options,” featuring Randy White, introduces a note of conflict into the narrative. The interplay between Maur Kii and Randy White adds depth to the story, exploring the complexities and uncertainties of modern relationships. Musically, the track draws inspiration from the R&B/hip-hop crossovers of the mid-2000s, with a hook that’s bound to stick in listeners’ heads.

The EP closes with “Who Cries In A Maybach?”, a poignant and introspective finale that subverts expectations. Instead of ending on a triumphant note, Maur Kii chooses to explore the aftermath of passion, the moment when reality sets in. The production here is particularly noteworthy, with subtle touches that evoke the feeling of being in the back of a luxury car, adding to the song’s cinematic quality.

What sets “MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS” apart is its commitment to storytelling. Each track feels like a chapter in a larger narrative, with musical and lyrical callbacks creating a sense of cohesion throughout the EP. Maur Kii’s decision to structure the project this way demonstrates an ambition that goes beyond simply creating catchy singles.

The production throughout the EP is a highlight, seamlessly blending elements from different eras of R&B. From the ’90s-influenced beats of “Streets” to the more contemporary sound of “Options,” Maur Kii and his collaborators have created a sonic landscape that feels both familiar and fresh. This nostalgic approach serves the narrative well, evoking the timeless nature of the emotions being explored.

Lyrically, Maur Kii walks a fine line between vulnerability and bravado, a balance that feels authentic to the R&B tradition. His words are by turns seductive, conflicted, and introspective, mirroring the emotional journey of the EP’s protagonist. The attention to detail in the lyrics, from specific descriptions of locations to nuanced explorations of feelings, adds depth to the storytelling.

While the EP’s brevity is in keeping with current trends, some listeners might find themselves wishing for more. The story feels complete, but there’s a sense that Maur Kii has only scratched the surface of his potential as a storyteller and musician.

“MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS” is a promising showcase for Maur Kii’s talents as both an artist and a producer. It demonstrates a deep understanding of R&B’s history while pushing the genre forward in subtle ways. The EP’s narrative structure and thematic cohesion set it apart in a landscape often dominated by disparate singles.

For fans of R&B that balances nostalgia with contemporary sensibilities, “MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS” is essential listening. It’s a project that rewards close attention, revealing new layers of meaning and musical detail with each spin. As the final notes of “Who Cries In A Maybach?” fade away, listeners are left with the sense of having experienced a complete story – one that’s bound to resonate long after the music stops.

Maur Kii has delivered an EP that serves as both a love letter to R&B’s past and a bold statement about its future. “MAURNB: THE YEAR WAS” marks him as an artist to watch, one with the potential to leave a lasting mark on the genre he so clearly loves.