Lalah Hathaway is back. The Grammy-winning singer has announced her eighth album, VANTABLACK, will release June 14 via Hathaway Entertainment/SRG-ILS Group.
“VANTABLACK was always the name of the project. The word itself has so much weight on it, I was really unsure of how to approach the idea of writing the song,” notes Hathaway.
She adds, “At the time, what I thought were conflicting perspectives, actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color, in terms of being the Blackest I’ve ever been, and even though I’m steeped in who I am, it doesn’t exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the Black music that I create. So it’s all a melting pot, and this song truly exemplifies that.”
In addition to the album announcement, Hathaway has released “So In Love” as the lead single. On the sultry jam, Hathaway sings about loving her partner loudly and unapologetically.
“‘So In Love’ was written by Philip Beaudreau and I a couple years ago with the intention to pitch it, but we loved it so much and decided to sit with it for a while,” explains Hathaway. “I’ve recently added it to my show, and it’s one of the most beloved pieces that we perform.”
Hathaway continues, “‘So In Love’ has such a vibe and like a lot of the work I do, it explores some of the more non-traditional ideas about love, and self-love. The video does this on a grand scale!”
VANTABLACK will follow Hathaway’s 2018 album, honestly (deluxe edition), an expanded version of her 2017 LP. Hathaway’s upcoming album will include features from WILLOW, MC Lyte, Common, Rapsody, Michael McDonald, Phonte, and Gerald Albright.
Honestly spawned three Grammy nominations: Best R&B Album, Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Made For Love”) and Best R&B Performance (“Y O Y”).
Last fall, it was announced Hathaway signed a new deal with SoNo Recording Group (SRG/ILS) and Virgin Music.
Claude Villani, founder and CEO of SRG/ILS Group, stated, “Lalah Hathaway is perhaps the finest vocalist on the planet, period! We welcome her with open arms to the SRG/ILS Group. Expect greatness!”
In other news, Hathaway is scheduled to perform at Capital Jazz Fest on June 8 in Columbia, Maryland.
Stream Lalah Hathaway’s new single “So In Love” below.
Presave Lalah Hathaway’s new album VANTABLACK here.