Elijah Blake has been a force in the R&B scene for years, navigating between the gritty honesty of his solo work and a steady stream of high-profile collaborations. His newly released deluxe edition of elijah! is proof that he’s pushing boundaries while staying deeply rooted in the genre’s classic sensibilities.
What makes elijah! deluxe a standout project isn’t just the roster of collaborators—though the list of guests reads like a who’s who of contemporary soul. With legends like Kim Burrell, Keyshia Cole, Cheryl “Salt” James, and up-and-coming powerhouses such as Maeta, Tone Stith, Tiana Major9, Kirby, Kareen Lomax, and Jaz Karis, Elijah Blake doesn’t simply aim for star power. Instead, each artist brings something uniquely transformative to the record, aligning with Blake’s vision rather than merely filling a feature. Together, they generate a dynamic, textured sound that merges classic and modern R&B seamlessly.
One track that sets the tone for this deluxe experience is “Stuck In My Ways,” where Elijah Blake partners with Sevyn Streeter to explore the complexities of self-reflection. It’s emblematic of his approach throughout the album—he’s introspective yet unapologetically expressive. Blake’s lyrics feel like they’re torn straight from his own inner monologue, inviting listeners to connect with the vulnerability he threads throughout each song.
A centerpiece of elijah! deluxe, however, is Blake's collaboration with Keyshia Cole on their version of Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.” This rendition brings a soulful spin to the country classic, blending gospel-like harmonies and Prince-esque instrumentation. Blake’s comment about hearing Cole’s initial cover in his voice memos captures how personal and serendipitous this track’s journey feels. “Keyshia sent me her cover of ‘Every Little Thing’ some time ago. Although her label never released it, that song went platinum in my voice memos,” he said, highlighting just how powerful her voice is in breathing life into this project.
Blake’s signature honesty shines most poignantly in “Does Something Happen When You Hear My Name (Jason’s Song),” featuring Tone Stith and Maeta. This track is a deeply personal tribute to Jason “Hoody” Hobdy, Blake’s late manager and mentor, who passed away in August at 40. The song manages to balance a sense of raw grief with reverent gratitude, serving as both a farewell and a celebration of a life well-lived. There’s no over-the-top production, just a respectful, heartrending homage that embodies the gravity of such a loss.
Blake’s approach to the deluxe edition shows a commitment to growth while staying genuine. The addition of tracks isn’t merely to pad the album but to further the journey he started with the original elijah! release in August. In an age where “deluxe” editions are often thinly veiled attempts at re-promotion, Blake’s effort feels authentic and substantial. His artistry has clearly matured, and with each track, he weaves together influences and emotions that give the album a distinct weight.
With elijah! deluxe, Blake shows that he’s not just an artist looking for a hit—he’s a creator with a story to tell and a musical identity that continues to evolve. This album, with its nuanced vocal performances and thoughtful collaborations, secures Elijah Blake’s position not just as an R&B artist but as an architect of the genre’s future.