Lady Lady

For an artist only halfway through his twenties, Masego seems to be an old soul. The full-length debut from the Virginia-based singer and producer is a startlingly mature work, drawing from quiet-storm R&B and Stevie Wonder soul alongside hints of trap (see “Shawty Fishin’,” where a wistful sax solo snakes around 808 knocks). Masego’s a hopeless romantic but also a total flirt, falling in love one moment and purring come-ons to older women the next. Ultimately, though, *Lady Lady* is thoroughly devoted to women, both real and imagined—on “Black Love,” Masego channels “Careless Whisper” for a ballad to his future wife, even though he hasn’t met her yet.

All cognac and white linen, the Virginia R&B musician’s debut album is steeped in quiet storm and beefed up with crisp drums and booming production: a sophisticated, seductive mix.

If you've been sleeping on Masego thus far, Lady Lady is the perfect opportunity to hop on his bandwagon. On his latest, he's tighter, more...