VINSON
Raw Honey
SELF-RELEASED
Following a series of EPs, the impressive debut full-length from VINSON alloys together a whirlpool of different genres—R&B, house, rap, jazz, electronica—into one cohesive, tasteful sound. In a similar vein to Channel Tres or A$AP Rocky, Raw Honey feels fresh with its floaty major sevenths, crisp production, and tenor vocals, setting the Detroit-raised, LA-based artist apart from such contemporaries. But most of all, the album grooves, giving easy Sunday-morning vibes. The fluidity between songs, genres, and even guest vocalists (notably an early-album juxtaposition of Bruiser Wolf’s distinct presence with Nappy Nina’s more laid-back flow) is always pleasant and relaxed—and even the skits don’t feel out of place.
Although Raw Honey is largely centered around VINSON’s sexual conquests, there’s also a lyrical layer of struggle and class consciousness to be heard here, particularly on opener “Bout 2 Flourish.” VINSON scatters these small bits of stark reality throughout the record only to contrast them with more uplifting elements, like his desire to change and live authentically. Even though the upbeat instrumentals obscure the darker aspects of VINSON’s lyrics, they don’t let the listener avoid them completely. Sardonicism is a major factor on songs like “COVID Tales,” which seems to compare testing during the pandemic to STD checks and the awkward navigation of such experiences. Earlier, during “On the Low,” he recalls failing to escape an unhealthy relationship, remarking “There go my boundaries again” as he gets sucked back into a toxic cycle.
Yet none of it comes across as heavy-handed; there’s a lightness to his approach, a self-awareness when it comes to his flaws without the lyrics ever seeming too self-deprecatory. In fact, Raw Honey never tries to be something it’s not. You can hear its influences, but VINSON’s unique personality and penchant for catchy arrangements always tend to shine through. It’s a fun, feel-good record that sounds like melted butter on a warm stack of pancakes, made to be listened to through some headphones that can handle bass.
