North Carolina’s very own Jerrod Azaad dropped his new album “Vega” on January 17th, and we are absolutely here for it!
Blessed with a silky smooth voice, Jerrod is known for creating sensual atmospheres where he weaves his dulcet falsettos and power packed vocals reminiscent of the 80s and mid 90s. Jerrod serves fully choreographed numbers at his up-tempo shows, along with stunning outfits that absolutely turn looks.
For a short period, he toured the east coast with the “Motown Revue” singing and learning the choreography to songs by The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Smokey Robinson, and more. While growing up in North Carolina, he took an interest in R&B groups from the 60s & 70s his father would play in the car on their way to visit family in Virginia Beach. Jerrod would write verses to their instrumentals which gave birth to his passion of becoming a songwriter.
Over the past few years, he has won several awards including a Carolina Music Award for R&B Male, R&B Artist of the Year BLOC Award, and Feature Highlight Award for New Artist of the Year. He has also opened for Maxwell, Damien Escobar, and Anthony Hamilton at the AOC Festival in Durham, NC.
Inspired by Maxwell, Prince, Tevin Campbell and Usher, we can definitely see the correlations in his new album “Vega.”
Album Review
The album opens with “Closer,” a powerful and fun track that makes you want to move your hips! It ends with Jerrod hitting a high note, and transitions to “Kool,” a slow, head-bobbing instant classic that competes with the likes of Bryson Tiller and Jeremih. This is my favorite song on the album, solely because I could listen to this song anywhere and vibe to it. (Catch me whipping my car around town to this joint!)
When the next track “Timbs” comes on, you’re immediately transported to another universe, gifted with the soundtrack of Jerrod’s velvet-voice and chillwave R&B vibes. This song makes me want to go on a vacation, mainly because when I hear it, I see myself on a cruise ship having fun!
“3083” is the slow jam you listen to in the Delorean with your partner while flying to the future and sipping champagne with your feet on the dash. Jerrod’s vocal tracking and heavenly voice carries you through the 80s sounding bop. It transitions into exactly what we thought we already had this entire album so far: “That Vibe.” At track five, this song picks up the tempo and shows us a more happy side of Jerrod lyrically. Not only is the hook catchy and the beat on point, but his vocal stacked harmonies are immaculate.
At track number six and halfway through the album, “Genie” serves us another R&B bop about love. I promise that once you listen once, you won’t be able to get the hook out of your head for days! (Especially with Valentine’s Day coming up!) “Seven Seas” almost feels reminiscent of “Rock The Boat” by Aaliyah, but more somber and calming. Gab.E’s beautiful vocals in the second verse and throughout the song combined with Jerrod’s vocal melodies gives me the chills. Needless to say, I am obsessed with this song.
“Trophy” is track seven, and it’s that song you listen to when you’re wanting to brag about your partner. I mean, are you really in love if you don’t consider one another a prized possession you don’t feel like you deserve? Latchky’s slick rap verse fits perfectly in the beginning of the song, bringing more energy to the track. The song transitions to “Good Love,” which begins with a classical saxophone sample. This track feels like you’re stepping out of the elevator in Las Vegas with shades on and cash in hand, ready to take on whatever comes your way. This old school sounding song was instantly one of my favorites from the album.
“American Criminal” is another slow song reminiscent of Bryson Tiller’s slow jams. I feel like this song was meant for driving late at night to see somebody you love or maybe for some demon time. Nothing but you, the open road, the bassline, and Jerrod’s voice carrying you to what you desire, almost like a siren. “Overtime (Extended)” gives me early 2000s R&B vibes, and honestly, I think we need a music video of Jerrod singing this song in the rain! (Please, Jerrod?)
The album’s final song is properly titled “End of Time,” and it’s such a perfect closer for Vega. It feels as if all the vibes of the songs are combined into one. Sensual and dark undertones combined with Jerrod’s impeccable voice. This song closes the album with your heart open and yearning for more. So start the album over!
I touched based with Jerrod, and asked him to describe Vega in three sentences.
“Vega is love and its ability to captivate us even in our darkest hour. It’s the light we see in the person we love during the heartache, uncertainty, and lack of communication. The project is meant to invoke healing in relationships by remembering the great qualities in the person you chose to give your all.”
I also asked what some of his inspiration was for this album.
“I’m a songwriter so I write songs about how I’m feeling at the time, very often. This project was inspired by the love I’ve experienced over the past five years, including insecurities such as overthinking and overreacting when it’s not necessary. Songs like “Kool” embody that emotion of learning how to just chill out and trust the one you love.”
I think we also needed to know what his favorite part about creating Vega was, so I asked him!
“I don’t really have a favorite part. Every song has a special meaning to me. I think I enjoy letting people hear my feelings the most.”
I also wanted to know what music he’s listening to right now, just so we could possibly get a glimpse into his world and other inspirations!
“I currently enjoy listening to Chris Brown, Kenny Wavinson, Harry Styles, DaBaby, and Roddy Ricch. Oh! And Troye Sivan!”
It’s been a pleasure listening to Vega and reviewing it for Jerrod, and I’m so excited to see what’s next from him! Be sure to keep up with his social media to stay up to date, and be sure to stream “Vega” on all platforms now!
Album Link: https://songwhip.com/jerrod-azaad/vega
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerrodazaad/?hl=en
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jerrodazaad
Written By: Bryce Quartz