Steve Lacy finally dropped his anticipated LP, Apollo XXI, just two weeks after debuting the cover art for it, following his 2017 solo EP Steve Lacy’s Demo (in which the “Dark Red” single was featured). After she went to college, Apollo XXI was recorded in the bedroom of Lacy’s sister and follows the journey of the musician through young adulthood. “It’s basically my journey, my sexuality, but it’s not really that serious in a very fun and witty way, it’s not that sad. I think it’s my journey, it’s an expression of how I feel right now,” he said of the album earlier this year in an interview with i-D .
The singer-songwriter-producer has had an illustrious career-working as part of The Internet group as well as with other heavy-hitters like Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole and Solange-at the age of only 20. Lacy, in all his funk and R&B glory, sees the release of the album. His astral cool vocals compliment a troop of tugging instruments perfectly; as he pulls you into his orbit and presents you with themes close to his heart.
His bisexuality, which he had previously opened up about in an interview, is one of the main themes mentioned throughout the album. With a note of insecurity and inquiry, his track “Like Me” opens. “How many like me out there?” Singing Lacy, referring to his sexuality. Like Tyler, The Creator, Lacy brings into his platform sexuality and the normalization of LGBTQ+ issues.
Lacy shows off his impressive falsetto on “Guide,” as well as on the dreamy track “Lay Me Down” the evolution of his musical range from “Dark Red.” The entire album has a modest twinge of chaos, with the overwhelming instrumentals and different pitch ranges that Lacy weaves through. However, the artist’s smooth jazz and funk vibes we’ve come to know and love, mellowing the mood to create a project that will surely satisfy both Steve Lacy and the Internet fans.
Listen to the album full below.