Fridayy Co-Hosts This Week in R&B Episode 9, Reflects on His Roots, Viral Hits, and R&B’s Next Wave

Episode 9 of This Week in R&B brought a reflective and soulful conversation to the forefront. Hosts Jay Valentine and Bobby the Truth Coast Connect welcomed artist and producer Fridayy as the show’s first-ever co-host. Known for his rich musical layering and spiritual undertones, Fridayy opened up about his creative process, the depth behind his latest album, and his journey through music and faith. The episode offered fans a rare look into how Fridayy balances sonic innovation with personal integrity. It was a vibe, deeply rooted in culture and conversation.

Finding the Sound: Choirs, Layers, and Self-Production

From the jump, Fridayy emphasized the importance of vocal layering in his music—a technique that sets his work apart. Influenced by his church upbringing and groups like Boyz II Men, he crafts tracks that sound like full choirs but are often just his voice layered up to 60 times. For instance, his song "God Did" features around 40 to 60 self-recorded vocals. That dense vocal arrangement creates an emotional wave, especially during hooks. The technique isn’t just impressive; it’s foundational to his sound.

Fridayy explained that these methods aren’t just for show. They stem from his musical roots and personal expectations for quality. Even when recording solo, he often layers his voice extensively. It’s a process that feels natural to him and gives his songs a unique soulfulness. This kind of dedication shows in the final product. It’s clear he’s building something timeless.

Faith in the Flow: Spirituality with Swagger

The episode touched on Fridayy's spiritual foundation in a refreshing way. Raised in church as a pastor’s kid, he explained how those early experiences shaped not only his musicianship but also his worldview. His music isn’t gospel in the traditional sense, but it still carries a spiritual core. He aims to connect listeners with their own beliefs, whatever those may be.

“Everybody believe in something,” Fridayy said. “When I write, I want it to feel like they can connect to their higher power.” It’s spirituality that feels authentic and approachable. Not preachy, not performative. Just real. That balance is part of what makes his message resonate. It’s faith with flair.

A Meek Mill Connection and Viral Heat

One of the album's most talked-about tracks is "Proud of Me," a collaboration with Meek Mill. Fridayy described their relationship as more than professional—it’s personal. They both hail from Philadelphia and have shared struggles that deepen their bond. Their music, he said, captures that intersection of street reality and spiritual resilience.

"We got like 12 songs already," he shared. That backlog hints at a larger body of work in progress. Fans could be looking at a full project between the two. It’s a powerful pairing, both lyrically and emotionally. They’re making music that speaks to more than just the charts.

Culture, Collaboration, and Caribbean Roots

Another key piece of Fridayy’s identity is his Haitian heritage. Though born in Philly, his cultural roots play a major role in his music. From Afrobeat to reggae to kompa, island rhythms are embedded in his sound. It’s not calculated—it’s natural.

He also discussed how his approach to singing versus rapping is intuitive. As a producer, he lets the instrumentation guide him. If the chords pull him to sing, he sings. If the beat knocks, he raps. It’s a spontaneous process. And it’s part of why his music feels so fluid.

On the Road and Overseas

Fridayy announced that he’s hitting the road, with a tour kicking off June 3. The run includes 12 U.S. cities and seven European stops. He shared how his first trip overseas—to places like Paris and Amsterdam—was eye-opening. Fans there knew every lyric, despite the language barrier.

“That was probably the best experience of my life,” he said. The moment was more than a performance. It was a connection. That’s the kind of memory artists live for. And it’s only fueling his drive.

Digital Laughs and R&B Legends

The episode balanced depth with humor as the crew riffed on viral clips and old-school drama. From Ginuwine’s performance stumbles to stories about Marvin Gaye’s competitive spirit, it was pure barbershop energy. They touched on tension between legends and the line between confidence and ego.

The jokes landed, but the respect was real. These are R&B heads who know their history. And they’re not afraid to poke fun at it. At one point, Stevie Wonder’s birthday sparked a spontaneous group singalong. It was a celebration of legacy. And a reminder of the genre’s roots.

New Music Radar: From Paperboy Fabe to Lettucey

The show always finds time to spotlight new music. This week, the crew highlighted tracks making waves, including "Boy Bon Voyage" by Girlfriend featuring Tierra Whack and "Take Her Love" by Xavier Omar. Paperboy Fabe and Jeremih’s "Not for Me" also stood out, praised for its honest storytelling.

Lettucey’s new album The Crown earned high marks too, especially the track "All for You." And up-and-comers like Naomi Sharon and Lizzie Berchie got well-deserved shoutouts. Fridayy added his own pick: a Philly artist named Saint with a track called "My Eater."

Jams of the Week: Toxic and Timeless

Each episode wraps with "Jams of the Week," and this one was stacked. Tink and Summer Walker’s "Songs About U" got props for being peak toxic R&B. Meanwhile, Givēon’s "Heartbreak Anniversary" earned praise for its lyrical and melodic cohesion. It’s a track that hits deep.

Fridayy brought up Mariah the Scientist’s "Burning Blue," admiring her distinct tone and honest songwriting. The segment also opened a discussion on how feeling is the essence of great R&B. Whether it’s pain, love, or joy—if the song doesn’t make you feel something, it’s not doing its job.

Classic Corner: R&B Foundations

In their "Classic Corner," the hosts revisited timeless acts like Rough Ends and Jean. These weren’t just nostalgic nods. They were reminders of the genre’s emotional roots. The panel also debated whether today’s landscape has room for R&B groups.

They agreed it’s possible—but only with real chemistry and hard work. Manufactured groups rarely last. The greats started as friends or family. That dynamic, they argued, can’t be fabricated. It has to be felt.

Looking Ahead: Legacy Building

Fridayy closed the episode by talking about his future. He mentioned role models like Drake, Chris Brown, Meek Mill, Frank Ocean, and SZA—artists who’ve elevated year after year. That’s the path he’s aiming for: steady evolution, creative integrity, and bigger stages.

"I just want to stay consistent," he said. "Recreate something new... so it goes from 1.5 million [fans] to 3 million... arena tours and stadiums." He’s not chasing trends. He’s building legacy. One layer at a time.

Stay Tuned

Follow This Week in R&B for more deep dives, artist features, and cultural commentary. Episode 9 proved that the genre is in excellent hands. And if Fridayy is any indication, the future of R&B looks just as soulful as its past.