Germany’s brightest R&B alchemists push boundaries, fusing soulful melodies, electronic textures, and country influences on a kaleidoscopic four-track EP.
By: Robert Solomon
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There’s something magical about collaborations in R&B. Sometimes they’re a celebration of chemistry, as seen in D’Angelo and Erykah Badu’s timeless duets. Other times, they’re a space for risk-taking—think James Blake teaming up with Rosalía. With ‘Juicy,’ Isaac Roosevelt and Timbhai find themselves somewhere in the middle. Across four tracks, they explore their unique sound, marrying Roosevelt’s soulful vocals with Timbhai’s innovative production to create something both familiar and refreshingly new.
The pair’s story goes back to 2013 when they met as contestants on The Voice of Germany. That moment set the stage for a decade-long partnership that has made them two of Germany’s most exciting experimental R&B artists. ‘Juicy’ feels like the culmination of that journey—a project that showcases the growth they’ve achieved together and the risks they’re willing to take.
The EP opens with “Let Me Hold You,” a track that draws you in with its warmth and simplicity. Roosevelt’s vocals are smooth and unguarded, cutting straight to the heart, while Timbhai’s production adds layers of intrigue, blending soulful melodies with experimental textures. There’s a subtle nod to ‘90s R&B here—the kind of lush, timeless instrumentation that gives the song a cinematic quality. It’s intimate and deeply comforting, like an embrace you didn’t know you needed.
“Strong” shifts gears, delivering a disco-infused groove that bursts with energy and confidence. The lyrics—“Love can move a mountain / if our love is strong”—might seem straightforward, but Roosevelt’s delivery makes them feel alive and genuine. Timbhai keeps the production sharp and vibrant, layering shimmering synths over a driving beat that keeps you moving. It’s the kind of song that could easily dominate a dance floor but still feels personal enough to sing along to in your car.
The mood softens with “Sing,” a stripped-back ballad that puts Roosevelt’s voice front and center. His performance is raw and vulnerable, carrying the kind of emotion that makes you pause and take it all in. Timbhai’s arrangement is understated but thoughtful, weaving in elements of jazz and trip-hop that give the track a timeless, meditative quality. The repeated refrain—“Keep believing / Keep on dreaming”—is simple yet powerful, offering a gentle reminder to push forward, no matter what.
The EP closes with “Home,” a reflective track that captures the bittersweetness of longing for a place that feels like yours. Inspired by Roosevelt’s experiences living abroad, it’s an emotional centerpiece that blends R&B with country and pop influences. Timbhai’s production is spacious and textured, mirroring the vastness of the search for belonging. “Home” feels like the perfect ending to the project—a reminder that no matter how far we wander, we’re always searching for connection, whether with a person, a place, or a feeling.
At just four tracks, ‘Juicy’ is short but impactful. It’s a showcase of two artists at the height of their creative powers, willing to take risks while staying true to the emotions that make R&B such a resonant genre. Isaac Roosevelt and Timbhai have crafted something special here—a project that invites you to feel deeply, dance freely, and reflect on the things that truly matter.
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