Elijah Blake, a Grammy-winning artist known for his haunting ballads and boundary-pushing R&B, has dropped the deluxe edition of his latest album, elijah!. The new release expands on the original with nine fresh tracks and remixes, each one highlighting Blake’s evolving sound and cementing his place as a force in contemporary R&B. Featuring a star-studded roster of collaborators—ranging from Sevyn Streeter and Keyshia Cole to the legendary Cheryl “Salt” James of Salt-n-Pepa—the deluxe version of elijah! offers an expanded universe of emotional depth, vibrant collaborations, and exquisite production.
Among the standout tracks is “Stuck in My Ways,” a duet with Sevyn Streeter that delves into the complexities of love, capturing both the sweetness and agony of emotional vulnerability. The track, described by Billboard as a “heart-wrenching duet,” is a perfect example of Blake’s ability to blend his smooth falsetto with Streeter’s soulful delivery. Another key moment on the album is “Does Something Happen When You Hear My Name (Jason’s Song),” a touching tribute to music executive Jason “Hoody” Hobdy, who passed away earlier this year. Featuring Maeta and Tone Stith, the song stands as one of the most poignant in Blake’s career, with the accompanying visual offering a deeply personal glimpse into the impact Hobdy had on the artists’ lives.
The original elijah. album, which dropped earlier in the year, was already a critical success, with tracks like “Ghostbuster” and “Sugarwater & Lime” earning praise for their introspective lyrics and atmospheric production. The deluxe edition only builds on that foundation, with additional tracks like “Battlefield,” featuring the incomparable Kim Burrell, and “How You Gonna?,” a collaboration with Salt. These songs push Blake’s sound even further, blending classic R&B vibes with innovative new directions. The album’s versatility is also evident in the diversity of its features, which span genres and generations, proving that Blake is not just an R&B artist but a true musical chameleon.
What makes elijah! so captivating is Elijah Blake’s knack for storytelling. Whether he’s confronting the intricacies of love, loss, or personal growth, his lyrics feel raw and deeply relatable. His ability to pair these themes with a blend of contemporary sounds—from modern soul to 80s-inspired synths—has earned him a devoted following. As he continues to evolve and experiment with his sound, the deluxe edition of elijah! serves as a reminder of why Blake remains one of the most exciting voices in modern R&B.
