R&B duo THEY. — Drew Love and Dante Jones — have long been known for their smooth, experimental sound, blending elements of ’90s R&B, new jack swing, and soul-sampling hip-hop. After years of evolving and collaborating with some of the biggest names in the industry, they’ve returned to their roots with LOVE.JONES, their boldest and most authentic project to date.
With LOVE.JONES, THEY. take us back to the simplicity of their early days, focusing on the dynamic between Love’s powerful vocals and Jones’s innovative production. The album is an unapologetic celebration of Black love, culture, and sensuality, infused with the energy of the golden neo-soul era. Inspired by the 1997 film Love Jones, which represents Black romance at its most soulful and transformative, the duo channels that same essence throughout the album.
This project marks a return to their core sound: a stripped-back, raw energy that captures the essence of what made them connect in the first place. They’re no longer concerned with the features or outside collaborators that marked their past releases; this time, it’s just about the two of them, crafting a sound that feels vibrant, fresh, and deeply rooted in the cultural history of R&B.
The album’s standout tracks, like “Diamonds and Pearls” and “Choosin’,” set the tone for the record, offering smooth grooves and unforgettable hooks. “Diamonds and Pearls” shines with its shimmering keys and groovy bassline, while “Choosin’” delivers a more playful energy, with Love’s effortless flow on the beat-driven backdrop. These tracks introduce the confident, sensual vibe of the album, making it clear that LOVE.JONES is all about unapologetic love and desire.
Meanwhile, “Straight Up” is a bold bedroom anthem that flexes with confidence and sensuality, embodying the album’s ethos of passionate, real emotions. The late-night burner “Rotation” follows suit with its intimate, seductive mood, further cementing the album’s focus on sensuality and connection.
With LOVE.JONES, THEY. explore a more active, grittier energy, reminiscent of classic R&B acts like 112, Jagged Edge, and Jodeci, while also infusing a modern sensibility that’s all their own. The duo taps into a nostalgic vibe, but it’s not a look back — it’s a forward-thinking exploration of Black love, intimacy, and culture, combined with a fresh sense of artistic freedom.
Ultimately, LOVE.JONES is a celebration of where THEY. have been and a statement of where they’re going next. It’s a project that feels intimate, full of raw energy, and unapologetically sensual — a true return to form that captures the heart of R&B in both its past and its modern evolution.
Stream LOVE.JONES here: