An album that was delayed as long as Jeremih’s Late Nights doesn’t always make it out of the vault, and if it does it is usually battered and bruised. The Chicago singer has been in a rather odd position, flirting between widespread radio recognition and mainstream obscurity due to a tug-of-war struggle with his label as well as personal issues. One could endlessly delve into the twists and turns of the long-awaited project, but Jeremih’s blood, drug-induced sweats, and tears have officially materialized on Late Nights and the results are quite impressive considering the extended timeline of its existence. An intoxicating journey that soothes you with its sensual touch, the LP excels in the delicacy of its debauchery and proves why Jeremih is one of the more talented voices in the present-day R&B landscape.
Those who are in tune with the hip-hop charts will certainly recognize the older singles on Late Nights such as “Don’t Tell Em” (ft. YG) and “Planez”, a great top 40 offering and ideal intro track despite the rather regrettable guest verse from J Cole. But to no one’s surprise, the fresh material on Late Nights provides proper representation as to why the album is so alluring as a full body of work. Raunchy lyricism is smoothly executed throughout the entirety of Late Nights and the variety of vocal deliveries Jeremih implements ensures that the project doesn’t suffer due to its recurrent themes. From the fine falsetto of the London Da Track-produced “Impatient” (ft. Ty Dolla $ign) to the club-ready bounce of “Pass Dat”, Jeremih isn’t afraid to experiment in how he articulates his stories which venture into the details of his bedroom exploits (“I Did”) as well honest ballads that reveal his desire to be a remembered a certain way by a significant other (“Remember Me”).
Another prevalent aspect of Jeremih’s approach on Late Nights is the all too common concept of blending R&B with hip-hop as the lines between rapping and singing continue to be blurred in today’s musical climate. The splendid qualities of Jeremih’s artistry may resonate stronger on the previously mentioned records, but boastfulness shines on the Migos-assisted “Giv No Fuks” and the listener is treated with a welcomed guest verse from Twista on “Woosah”, which excels in its sex appeal. However, Jeremih quietly commands undivided attention on self-assured records such as “Feel Like Phil” and the minimal production throughout the album gives Jeremih plentiful space to expertly articulate messages of over-indulgence that have been waiting years to break out of their cell and soar into the air, running rampant with smells of love and lust.
As Late Nights dramatically comes to a close with the acoustic charm of “Paradise”, the listener can officially appreciate and comprehend why Jeremih’s tales of what goes on between 2 am and 6 am are distinct and had been so highly anticipated. It is refreshing to hear a R&B/hip-hop infused collection that thrives thanks to a self-aware confidence, knowing that not trying so damn hard to compel the audience will accomplish the very goal so many others seek yet don’t reach. Late Nights is an album that was meticulously crafted and the passion that went into its creation is heard on every note that Jeremih hits, and each song has its own individual nuances that solidify the diversity of the LP. When a creative soul is given the freedom to find his zone, especially one as certified as Jeremih, Late Nights is the result and after several years of maintaining in an undefined area of the industry, it is only deserving that this body of work accurately presents Jeremih as a highly respected artist who should be considered a leader in a genre where too many are trying to emulate the success of others, rather than channel a unique aesthetic that is special to their own skill-set.
Repeatable: “Impatient”, “Pass Dat”, “oui”
Skippable: “Actin Up”