released: february 27, 2026

genre: neo-soul / r&b

from: dallas, texas / detroit, michigan, usa

label: lex records

a few thoughts: one of my most anticipated releases of the year is finally out and they somehow managed to exceed my expectations. singer, producer, rapper and overall talented artist liv.e has collaborated with with legendary drummer karriem riggins on an incredibly dense and textured new album titled the pleasure is yours. as gena, the duo have created a 16-track masterpiece, with dazzling production featuring some emphatic drumming and expressive, soulful and vocals. the restless, drum-led opener of “who’s got a problem with gena” sets the tone for the rest of the album. the gorgeous vocals and production of “theybetterbegladihavetherapy” are both incredible too, while the bass-driven “left the club like “really n***a!”” is emphatic, as liv.e talks her shit, with a braggadocios type energy that is infectious throughout. “you’ve outdone yourself today” is short and sweet, while the funky groove of “unspokern” is lush, catchy and absolutely gorgeous, with its piano and string-led melodies. the synth-led groove “tgd” is punchy as well, with a jumpy, restless energy that makes me wanna shake ass. the gorgeous piano melodies on “readymade” are incredible, while the thumping drumming and emphatic energy on “douwannabewithastar” is just infectious. the guitar leads and solo of “this is so crazy” almost feels like an album closer for its grandiose, emphatic energy, as it seamlessly transitions into the drum-heavy, thumping quality of “lead it up”. the vocals and and bass-led groove of “howweflow” is also a catchy moment on the album, while “doobie doo wew” is a playful cut on the album. “circlesz” is a dynamic, drum-led groove with emotive vocals and lyrics from liv.e, who speaks on love, floating on this incredibly dense and textured groove. it’s a highlight on the album, a fun, fast-paced cut that embodies the groovy and eclectic nature of their artistry. “dream a twinkle” is the longest cut on the album, a smooth and beautiful cut, a dreamy track as liv.e reflects on her dreams and aspirations, over a groovy guitar-led melody. “thatsmyluvr” is another smooth, punchy cut on the album, as she expresses her her lover. “omo iya ati baba” closes the album out with a reflective, beautiful tone, an energy that celebrates their ancestors and the soulful and funky energy that shapes their artistry. oh boy, this album was such a joy to listen to and also experience live when they performed it in london earlier this year. the tracks flow effortlessly into one another, the funky, infectious energy is just sublime from start to finish. the chemistry liv.e and karriem riggins have is truly unmatched, and i will be playing the pleasure is yours religiously this year, i’m sure of it.

the album: