Kevin Ross evokes the truer nature of R&B through his silhouette-like sound. In hindsight, he provides listeners with a realistic view of love through raw lyrics and a solid ability to tap into several emotions.
It can also be said that Kevin Ross’ musical style is reminiscent of the 90s. Given these points, it’s more than apparent why others lean onto his discography in times of vulnerability.
To date, the award-winning producer, singer, and songwriter has spawned several hits, including “Long Song Away.” His song went on to earn the No. #1 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Song chart. Following this, Kevin Ross’ “Don’t Go” shot up to the top 15.
His beloved project The Awakening (2017) was heavily applauded, inducing multiple awards for the R&B star. He was nominated for Best New Artist (Soul Train Awards), Outstanding New Artist (NAACP Image Awards), and New R&B Artist (iHeart Radio Awards).
This year Kevin Ross has piled up the accolades. He’s gone from debuting at #3 on iTunes R&B Albums chart with Audacity Vol 1. to earning another #1 at Sirius XM, thanks to his song “God Is A Genius.”
Not to mention, he’s produced and written hits for artists like Jamie Foxx, Trey Songz, Toni Braxton, and Tank.
Kevin Ross recently dropped “Looking For Love” off of his upcoming project, Drive 2. In summary, the tune takes a new-age approach to dating. Sonically, “Looking For Love” takes admiration from R&B, coupling warm percussions with piano loops. In addition, he expresses himself through silky vocals.
From a lyrical perspective, the singer illustrates an emotional tug-of-war between himself and his sweetheart. Despite Kevin Ross’ efforts, his love interest seems to distance herself. He responds with
“Lately, you’re testing my patience/Baby, I think you must be mistaken/I could find me somebody new/But they won’t compare.”
Kevin Ross adds that he has no problem letting her go if she isn’t ready to seal the deal. However, it could be something she might regret as time progresses. Nevertheless, the musician is doing everything in his power to make it work. Even if this lady decides to call it quits, he will never turn his back on her.
In the second verse, he says that, while she may have options, he will be the top pick. If she needs time, he will give her just that. Kevin Ross doesn’t want her throwing in the towel because she’ll end up missing out on a good thing.
It won’t take long for her to realize that the King she’s been searching for has been there from the very start.
“You get what you want from them lames/Trust me, we’re not in the same race,” he sings. “But you’re worth a good chasing/I thought about it/I put it on the line but you run around it/You say you needed space so I bought a rocket.”
Natalee Gilbert got the opportunity to sit down with Kevin Ross at The Feature Presentation, where he answered the following:
How would you say “Looking For Love” & “God Is A Genius” differentiate?
“God Is A Genius” carries a more uptempo, feel-good, cook-out vibe. “Looking For Love” is more all-purpose. I think that you can wake up in the morning and listen to “Looking For Love.”
“God Is A Genius” is for when you need some uplifting or whatever the case may be, it’s a touch of brightness.
In “Looking for Love,” you speak about a special someone who, despite having trust issues and stirring up arguments, is irreplaceable. What advice would you give couples who are going through a rough patch in their relationship?
If it’s worth it, then invest the time in it. I think everyone knows their kind of parameter or barometer of what worth it means to them. If this person gives you peace or is understanding, it’s worth working on because, you know, no relationship is perfect. You have to have the willingness to do the due diligence to perfect it.
Hone into your craft as it pertains to what you bring to the table within your relationship, instead of looking for all these new things in people. Some people say, “the grass is greener on the other side.” It’s like, “no, the grass is greener wherever you water it.” The more energy and attention you put into something, the better outcome you’ll receive.
Which line in “Looking For Love” would you say strikes out most to you?
The second verse. It’s me being sarcastic in a sense to say, you know, “It’s two lanes, it’s your way or no way.” Then I say, “I put it on the line but you run around it
You say you needed space so I bought a rocket.”
I’m insinuating the fact that it’s like, “You know, you say, you know what you want. But you really don’t. You say you need space. Okay, I’ll buy a rocket to get you to get the space.”
If they’re not ready and still want to be out here, then you know, we’ll keep in touch. There are no hard feelings. But don’t get it confused. I’m not sitting here waiting. I could have anybody anytime. But, the truth is, you present something different.
It’s just a more cool laid back approach to, you know, responding to someone that isn’t ready.
Is there anything or anyone you gain inspiration from when writing these smooth ballads:
Its experiences that I’ve gone through or experiences that I’ve seen someone else lived through.
The beauty of songwriting is to take your emotions and them universally, like simplifying it so that other people can like relate to how you feel. Everyone’s experience is different.
Can you describe what we should expect from Drive 2?
Expect all-purpose music. This time around, I created a universal project because I would be so focused on a mood, always looking at records in seasons. So that’s how I verbally illustrate my songs.
I said to myself, “I have to broaden my scope. I need to now encapsulate day and night, all of this, into new records. I’ve captured the all-purpose vibe. Meaning you can play the whole project at any time, season. It’s a partnership.
What’s next for Kevin Ross?
Aside from Drive 2, there will be more music. Just trying to hone into my knack for producing, performing, and songwriting. I have a catalog that I’m looking forward to expanding for many years to come.
