It’s time you meet your new favorite genre-bending band: Paulo and the Problems, hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina. With the release of their latest record “Stupid Sexy Paulo” on July 11, 2025, the band throw a block party for the ears. This is not just an album. It’s a funk-laced, R&B-soaked, hip-hop-nodding, cartoon-accompanied celebration of community, individuality, and love for the groove.
A collaborative masterstroke, this album feels like an open jam between old friends, where every guest feature brings fresh energy but stays firmly rooted in the band’s quirky, confident DNA. With animated videos starring Paulo’s loyal dog mascot, Nico, and a string of addictive singles released ahead of the album, the rollout alone proves Paulo and the Problems are here to build something bigger than buzz—they’re building a universe. Let’s break it down track by track.
The album’s focus track, “Cruise Control” (with Mekfly) oozes confidence with a laid-back groove that invites you to let go of the wheel and ride the vibe. Mekfly’s silky vocals melt into a bed of smooth synths, nostalgic guitar riffs, and buttery basslines. Paulo’s delivery is effortlessly charming without trying, and soulful without excess. The production sparkles with polish, but never at the expense of feel.
The album’s second tune, “First of the Month” (with Saynave) revs the engine with head-nodding percussion and tight lyrical flows. Saynave delivers a razor-sharp verse that walks the line between introspection and ambition, while Paulo lays down slick hooks that instantly grab attention. The beat blends boom-bap with bounce, carried by organic instrumentation that brings the track into 2025 without losing sight of ‘90s hip-hop’s heart.
Ethereal, jazzy, and haunting in the best way, “Lotus Blanc” (with Dude Low) floats through the speakers like incense smoke on a humid night. Dude Low’s airy vocals intertwine with dreamy production—reverb-soaked keys, ambient textures, and a hazy, trip-hop pulse. It’s introspective, sensual, and deeply atmospheric. A true standout for those who crave emotional weight and sonic experimentation.
Returning with Mekfly, “After Party” shifts the tempo into slow-jam territory. There’s a lush vulnerability in the vocal performance; every note is wrapped in late-night longing and neon-lit nostalgia. Horn stabs and smooth bass lines evoke a D’Angelo-meets-Anderson .Paak vibe. The vocal chemistry is undeniable, and Paulo’s falsetto glides like a slow dance on vinyl.
Elise Chantelle’s vocals bring fire and finesse to this darkly alluring duet. With lyrics dripping in dangerous romance and undeniable chemistry, “Fatal Attraction” simmers with tension. Chantelle’s voice cuts like satin over a brooding beat, while Paulo delivers a performance full of controlled passion. The production leans into noir R&B with cinematic flair—think Sade meets The Weeknd.
A love letter to movement, “Ride With Me” (with Saynave) is perfect for top-down cruising and loud speakers. The rhythm section is tight and punchy, the guitar licks are sun-kissed, and Saynave’s verse offers just enough grit to counterbalance Paulo’s smooth delivery. The hook is infectious, and the track’s structure unfolds with natural dynamism. Production-wise, it’s vibrant and bright—full of warm analog tones and live-in-the-room energy.
Allie Crisp brings edge and sparkle to this track, which flips from sweet melodies to bratty, bold hooks. A genre-twisting bop, “Sucker” adds just enough alt-rock attitude to the mix, nodding to early 2000s punk-pop with crunchy guitars and head banging drums. Paulo and Allie’s back-and-forth is cheeky and clever—a sonic flirtation that makes it impossible to skip.
A slow-burning gem, “Summer Rain” is a sensual groove that soaks you in late-night warmth. Mekfly’s layered harmonies are nothing short of mesmerizing, creating a lush pillow of sound for Paulo’s tender delivery. The drums are subtle, the instrumentation minimal but effective—every element feels intentional, like drops on a windowpane.
Ending on a note of calm and connection, “Rest Your Mind” is an invitation to breathe and be. Saynave delivers one of his most introspective performances here, while Paulo provides reassuring vocals that act as a balm. Sparse piano chords and ambient textures give this track a meditative quality. It’s a soulful lullaby for overworked hearts.
Across the entire album, the production is masterful. The team at Fogwood Records has crafted a vintage and future-forward sound. The instrumentation leans heavily on real instruments: live drums, analog synths, electric pianos, crispy guitars, deep basslines, and the kind of subtle flourishes that reward repeat listens. There’s no filler here, every second of ‘Stupid Sexy Paulo’ feels alive, and no two tracks sound the same, yet they’re all unmistakably from the same creative heartbeat.
‘Stupid Sexy Paulo’ is the rare kind of album that feels like a debut and a victory lap all at once. It’s the sound of a band completely at ease with who they are—experimental but grounded, silly but sincere, nostalgic but refreshingly new. Paulo and the Problems have created an open door into their world, and inside you’ll find nothing but groove, guts, and good vibes.
Listen to the “Stupid Sexy Paulo” album on Spotify
