Azad Naficy and Vali Porter have been pushing R&B into the future ever since their debut project as Emotional Oranges dropped in 2019. Several juice-titled LPs later and their impact has begun to seep into the sounds of their peers, with EO working alongside ZHU, Vince Staples, and Channel Tres at various points over the past few years. Now, their latest release Orenjii enlists several more of the most exciting voices they’ve shared festival stages with for guest verses: Becky G, Jessie Reyez, Anycia, JAEHYUN, and Isaiah Falls all make appearances across the record.
With Orenjii out today, Porter created a playlist for us that’s less an explicit collection of influences than it is a set of tracks the duo had on repeat as the record came together. Plenty of collaborators past and present line the playlist, while additional artists like Ovrkast., Frank Ocean, Dijon, and NewJeans reflect the duo’s ear for future-forward pop, soul, and R&B as explored on the minimalist, glitchy beats of their newest statement.
Check out their picks below, and stream Orenjii here.
Ovrkast. feat. Samara Cyn, “Small Talk”
The perfect intro to this playlist—incredible record with smooth production and effortless vocals and flow. Also, slightly obsessed with Samara Cyn.
Larry June & The Alchemist feat. 2Chainz, “Life Is Beautiful”
A forever mood—the immaculate soundtrack to my morning routine.
Frank Ocean, “Lost”
A song to truly pull on our heart stings. Nostalgic and familiar, we had to add this one. Not to mention both of us love Mr. Ocean so much.
JAEHYUN, “Flamin’ Hot Lemon”
JAEHYUN absolutely smashed this record, written and produced by Azad. Please get into his smooth R&B vocals!
Emotional Oranges, “Out the Blue”
I mean…one of my favorite records off our new album. Makes me wanna lay in a puddle of very large blankets with bae.
NewJeans, “Super Shy”
Favorite NewJeans song at the moment! Lyrics, melodies, and track are just too perfect.
Portraits of Tracy, “The Party”
Discovered Portraits of Tracy two years ago. Tracy Amare is such an incredible musician and artist, we just had to add her to this playlist. I’d call the groove of this song expensive and pristine.
Chiiild, “Weightless”
Produced and performed by Chiiild, a great friend and collaborator. This song gives me all the feels.
Dijon, “The Dress”
How can we put together the perfect playlist without adding Dijon? “The Dress” blends R&B, pop, and indie effortlessly.
Isaiah Falls feat. Tamae & Icee Red, “Natural”
After recently collaborating with Isaiah on “Orenjii,” I’m extremely obsessed with his tone and flow. “Natural” has been on repeat!
Emotional Oranges feat. JAEHYUN, “Call It Off”
Another Emotional Oranges release that we just can’t stop singing. Working with JAEHYUN on this one was the icing on the cake.
Myd feat. Channel Tres & Trueno, “All That Glitters Is Not Gold”
This song is just too vibey. Channel’s tone and flow never disappoints—but also we love him, period.
Sherwyn feat. Sariah Mae, “Fever”
This song feels like it belongs in an Emotional Oranges live set. It has that funky attitude we both love.
Emotional Oranges feat. Jessie Reyez & Becky G, “Candy Gum”
Had to finish off on a highest note: “Candy Gum,” the first single off Orenjii, embodies groove and sensuality perfectly. Becky and Jessie killed this one, it was an honor to collaborate with them.
