In “DAMN GENESIS,” BRIEL the Artist breaks, burns, rebuilds, and baptizes himself in his truth. Released June this year, this debut mixtape from the Bronx-raised Alternative R&B visionary is more than an introduction; it’s a ritual of transformation. Fueled by a collision of Hip-Hop grit and modern R&B emotion, the album is as thematically bold as it is sonically intricate—a fearless confrontation with inherited trauma, failed love, systemic fatigue, and the deep need to define oneself on one’s own terms. Today, we’re honored to welcome BRIEL to our blog for the very first time as we delve into the “DAMN GENESIS” mixtape. Keep on reading our thoughts in a Track-by-Track Journey Through Destruction and Rebirth
The first track, “THE BLINDS” opens with an intimate whisper, “Who’s he? Baby it’s me,” as BRIEL ushers us into the haze of infatuation. Minimalist electronic beats and gentle melodic layers cradle his smooth, intimate vocals, capturing the tension of having “my eyes closed, thinking about what we could’ve been.” It’s a brief confession set to a hypnotic backdrop; patience is theme and sound.
In “CHEQUE,” one of the album’s gritty anthem, BRIEL channels the universal grind: “Well I’ve been running ’round town. I’ve been cashing my (check).” His agile, biting flow dances atop grimy basslines and trap snares, punctuated by a hilariously raw skit that lays bare the frustrations of hustle culture. “Clocking in just to clock out” becomes a rallying cry—empowerment forged from exhaustion.
With an industrial pulse and glitchy accents, “ATTENTION!” explodes from the first “Ahem, ahem, ahem.” BRIEL’s dynamic delivery ricochets between brash bars, “God damn I’m superficial. God damn Beyoncé’s visuals” and melodic refrains of radical authenticity. Static shocks and deep basslines punctuate his declaration: live out loud, shed shame, and claim your spotlight.
In “NAH NAH NAH,” we witness emotional liberation. Over moody bass and haunting synths, BRIEL warns, “Don’t be talkin’ that nah, nah, nah. Per se talkin’ that rah, rah, rah.” His blend of grit and melody conveys the exhaustion of betrayal and the power of refusal. It’s a cinematic tension—heartbreak meets healing in a cathartic anthem.
A modern R&B confession, “SITUATIONSHIP” confronts uncommitted love: “I ain’t fucking with no situationship. That shit just some uncommitted toxic shit.” Ambient synths and trap-tinged drums underscore his vow to never lose himself again. Vulnerability and empowerment combine as BRIEL’s voice navigates between delicate ache and decisive strength.
With “LADIES SONG,” BRIEL flips the script with warmth and humor: “Childish men never hit it right. Probably why you always gotta keep the V tight on you.” Over mellow keys and laid-back percussion, his conversational flow feels like an embrace—an anthem uplifting women with sincerity and strength. This song is a love letter and rallying cry rolled into one.
In this late-night groove titled “SHOT ON ME,” BRIEL’s vocals oscillate between confessional tenderness—“Let bygones be bygones, friends and all. I still love you so,” and sensual bravado: “Know the type to play PND during sex, and make your ass clap on beat.” Dreamy synth pads and pulsing low-end create an intimate, hypnotic atmosphere where vulnerability and wit intertwine.
A haunting plunge into betrayal, “DANGEROUS” finds BRIEL’s dual-Gemini soul at war: “Fighting back tears while you’re crying. Your sympathy feel better when you’re lying.” Synths and trap-inflected percussion mirror his venomous declarations, “Bust the windows out your car, make you cry or something. Unalive or something.” Here, heartbreak and revenge blur into a raw confessional.
“BLUR” dwells in emotional dissonance. Ambient synths and subdued percussion let BRIEL’s plea “Just call back, don’t do this to me” hit deep. A beautiful rap verse shatters the dreamy haze, exposing anger beneath confusion. It’s an artful ride through trust issues and the desperate ache for clarity.
Closing with a healing affirmation, BRIEL opens with “You’re worthy, you’re beautiful and I love you,” setting a tender tone. Stripped-back percussion and airy synths cradle his raw examination of self-image: “Brown skin, should I brighten it? Monotone, should I lower it?” His croons echo long after the final note—“I really just wanna be pretty. Hold me so close I can’t feel me” making PRETTY not just a song but a balm for self-love.
Across the album, BRIEL’s voice is his most potent instrument; capable of intimate whispers, gritty flow, and soaring melody. His delivery shifts seamlessly from spoken-word swagger to soulful croon, always grounded in authenticity. The Production throughout the mixtape strikes a careful balance between minimalism and texture: moody bass, glitchy industrial accents, and ambient synths serve each narrative without overshadowing his vocals. Trap-infused drums anchor modernity, while melodic layers provide emotional depth.
In all, DAMN GENESIS is a fearless statement of self-creation. From the haze of THE BLINDS to the healing embrace of PRETTY, BRIEL the Artist guides us through destruction, defiance, and eventual rebirth. His debut mixtape isn’t just the death of past expectations; it’s the genesis of an artist who demands to be heard. Welcome to BRIEL’s new world.
Listen to “DAMN GENESIS” on Spotify
Follow BRIEL the Artist here for more information
