Manasseh goes beyond R&B on a mellow, tastefully ornate new album

Manasseh Croft, an esteemed singer-songwriter from Chicago’s South Side, has unveiled his latest album, R&B[eyond], marking a significant evolution in his approach to contemporary soul music. Distinguished by his ethereal falsetto and a sound that traverses multiple genres, Croft continues to redefine the boundaries of R&B by integrating elements of psychedelic soul, jazz, hip-hop, and electro-pop.

R&B[eyond], released on August 25, showcases a meticulous balance between lush, intricate instrumentals and Croft’s expressive vocal delivery. The album’s production is characterized by tasteful ornamentation, where lounge-inspired electronic percussion and delicate guitar riffs provide a textured backdrop. On tracks such as “Old-Times Sake,” listeners can appreciate the subtle complexity and restraint that highlight Croft’s refined vocal agility.

While Croft’s voice is the central pillar of R&B[eyond], the album also features notable contributions from several Chicago-based artists, including Femdot., Galaxy Francis, and Heavy Crownz. These collaborations enrich the project’s sonic palette and underscore the artist’s deep connections within the local music community.

Manasseh’s reputation as a sought-after collaborator is well established in Chicago’s vibrant scene. His recent involvement in Marquis Hill’s 2024 project, Composers Collective: Beyond the Jukebox, demonstrated his ability to enhance jazz-inflected compositions with layered harmonies, as evidenced in the track “I Promise to Listen.” This ongoing engagement with fellow musicians positions him as a pivotal figure in the city’s evolving soundscape.

The release of R&B[eyond] arrives amidst a particularly prolific period for Chicago music, with a flurry of noteworthy albums emerging in late summer 2024. Among these is rapper Thirteendegrees°’s Ghetto Hipster, dropping on August 21 via Island Records. Known for his cloud rap style and processed vocals, Thirteendegrees° represents another facet of the city’s diverse hip-hop community and is set to host a listening party at Wicker Park’s Half Evil store.

Simultaneously, Kino Disk, an ambient dance label operating out of Chicago’s Signal Records, is releasing American Dub Electronics, a compilation highlighting 11 artists within the regional electronic music scene. Kino Disk has cultivated a dedicated following since its 2024 inception and is expanding beyond Chicago with a new store location in New York City.

Also debuting on August 21 is the post-punk trio Plum’s second full-length album, Bodies in Motion. The group, bolstered by the addition of drummer Eric Ridder, recently opened for Jack White and will celebrate their new record with a show at the Empty Bottle, a venue that remains a cornerstone for launching local releases.

The Empty Bottle continues to be an essential hub for Chicago artists, hosting a series of notable events including a record-release party for psych-pop duo Iris Temple on August 22. Their album Ghosts of the Future, released on Sooper Records, marks the band’s return after an extended hiatus. The event also commemorates Sooper’s tenth anniversary, featuring performances and DJ sets from label co-owners.

On the same evening, the Cobra Lounge will host a show for power-pop band the Feeders, who recently released their second album, Dark Days. Their performance will coincide with the vinyl reissue celebration of Fig Dish’s 1997 album When Shove Goes Back to Push, highlighting the city’s enduring affection for both newer and veteran acts.

In addition to these releases and performances, Andersonville’s Rattleback record shop marks its entry into the music magazine world with the launch of RPM zine. Its third issue release is accompanied by a “mystery bag showcase” at Gman Tavern on August 26, featuring multiple local bands integrating surprise record selections into their sets. This event culminates in a communal jam session, further emphasizing Chicago’s collaborative spirit.

Together, these developments paint a picture of a dynamic and interconnected Chicago music scene in late summer 2024, with Manasseh Croft’s R&B[eyond] standing out as a significant contribution. His seamless fusion of genres and partnerships with fellow artists exemplify the city’s creative vitality and the ongoing evolution of modern soul and R&B.