Four years have passed since SiR, a two-time Grammy-nominated R&B artist, made a memorable appearance on Issa Rae’s Emmy-nominated show, “Insecure.” In an episode titled “Lowkey Movin’ On,” SiR, alongside Zacari from TDE, performed their single “Move” just before Issa’s pivotal block party, creating a moment that beautifully paid homage to the real-life city of Inglewood, CA. Today, SiR is turning a new page with his latest album, “Heavy,” a profound exploration of self-reflection and healing after five tumultuous years.
“Heavy” emerges as a powerful follow-up to SiR’s 2019 album “Chasing Summer,” which elevated his career to new heights and stood out as a significant contribution to contemporary R&B. While “Chasing Summer” celebrated the laid-back vibes of West Coast soul, “Heavy” adopts a rawer, more intense sound, featuring collaborations with notable artists like Ty Dolla $ign, Anderson .Paak, Ab-Soul, and Isaiah Rashad.
The past five years have been transformative globally, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 U.S. presidential election marking significant changes. For SiR, these events were merely a backdrop to his personal struggles, which nearly derailed his life. “I misused the attention I was getting for selfish reasons, and it started affecting my home life in ways I couldn’t discuss,” he shares. “Self-medication was my only coping mechanism, but we all know the destructive path that leads down. I had to learn my lessons the hard way.”
TDE CEO Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith delayed the release of SiR’s album until he achieved sobriety, both physically and emotionally. “We always strive for excellence at TDE,” SiR explains. “We’re willing to wait as long as it takes to get it right. This approach has sometimes frustrated fans, but it’s proven effective.” SiR’s journey through rehab and group therapy sessions inspired the creation of “Heavy,” a 16-track masterpiece that he recently dissected, sharing his top five tracks.
SiR also delves into the album’s sequencing, the influence of gospel music and his faith, and the controversy surrounding Kai Cenat. “Heavy” marks his first full-length release in five years, a period filled with personal challenges and growth. “These past years have been tough. I’ve battled addiction and had to take a hard look at myself,” SiR admits. “The pandemic hit everyone hard, but it forced me to confront my issues head-on.”
Discussing the honesty in his music, SiR explains, “I didn’t choose to be this open; it’s just where I was at the time. These songs are poems I wrote in rehab, during moments of deep reflection. My art comes from a place of honesty; that’s the only way I know how to create.”
As for the album’s inception, SiR reveals, “We’ve been sitting on this project for nearly two years. The timing had to be right, both for the music industry and the message we wanted to convey. It feels like the perfect moment for ‘Heavy’ to make its impact.”
Reflecting on the similarities between “Heavy” and Kendrick Lamar’s “Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers,” SiR acknowledges a shared creative pool among artists, especially regarding themes of mental health and personal growth. “No Evil,” the lead single, represents a bold departure for SiR, showcasing his versatility and willingness to take risks. “It was a gamble, but it paid off,” he says, noting the track’s homage to D’Angelo and its exploration of personal demons.
Discussing “Karma” with Isaiah Rashad, SiR highlights the song’s raw honesty and self-awareness. “It’s a reflection of my struggles and a reminder that we all have to face the consequences of our actions,” he explains.
Gospel music’s influence is evident in “Brighter,” a track that embodies SiR’s roots in the church. “My music is deeply connected to my upbringing in the church choir,” he says. “It’s important for me to honor those roots and express my faith through my art.”
SiR’s approach to album sequencing is thoughtful and emotionally driven, aiming to take listeners on a journey. He also emphasizes the organic nature of collaborations, preferring personal connections over business transactions. “My features come naturally, from genuine relationships,” he says.
Releasing “Heavy” after five years feels like a fresh start for SiR. “It’s like being a new artist all over again,” he admits. “I’m excited to reintroduce myself to longtime fans and connect with new ones.”
Despite the challenges and changes in the music industry, SiR remains committed to his craft and his journey of self-discovery. “Heavy” is not just an album; it’s a testament to SiR’s resilience, growth, and unwavering honesty.