Leela James has released her new EP2BHONESTvia SheSangz Music/BMG.
The six-track offering, produced by Rex Rideout, was preceded by the singles “Right On Time” and “Honest.”
“This project is about freedom — the freedom to feel, to break down, to rebuild, and most importantly, to be honest with yourself,” says James. “We live in a time where image often outweighs truth. I wanted to flip that on its head.”
2BHONESTopens with “Where U Are,” a longing plea to reconnect with a distant lover. “I wanna be where you are,” she sings. The rest of the project finds James wrapped up in romance.
“So Fine” is a syrupy funk jam where James shoots her shot at a potential partner: “If you ain’t got no strings attached / Baby, I can handle that.”
Closing with the synth-soul banger “(My Love Ain’t) Easy,” James makes it clear that when it comes to her heart, assembly is required. “If you really think you can have this / Baby, you should know I’m not your average / No, no, no / Gotta put in that work / That’s for sure, sure sure,” she sings.
James rolled out2BHONESTwith the lead single, “Right On Time,” which celebrated love and legacy. “I am so excited to be 20 years in the game and that my music to be right on time,” she told Rated R&B.
She continued with “Honest,” which she explained, “I just felt like I wanted to express the side of me that’s vulnerable and soft, while keeping it funky, edgy and unapologetically me.”
2BHONESTfollows James’ 2023 album, Thought U Knew,which spawned the Billboard top 10 hit “Right Back In It.”
Stream Leela James’ new EP 2BHONEST below.