There are rare moments when music doesn’t just speak to you but awakens you. Meet .Roy, a Newark-born artist whose debut EP “Into Divinity” echoes across emotional planes. I stumbled upon this release on a quiet night, unsure of what to expect. What I found was a cosmic, genre-defying journey powered by rich storytelling, spiritual introspection, and stunning musical chemistry. With the invaluable support of producers Petty Beats and Prod Matt Cody, .Roy has built more than an EP.
Introducing a new artist is sometimes difficult. But with .Roy, the words pour out effortlessly. He’s an architect of feeling, a sound-shaper whose work on “Into Divinity” positions him as one of the most emotionally intelligent voices of this new era. His vocals are grounded yet soaring, vulnerable yet confident, and they carry the grit of lived experience with the smoothness of a seasoned craftsman.
The project opens with “Intro,” a cinematic and meditative initiation that feels like stepping through a portal. Lush ambient layers rise and fall like breath, with spoken word fragments and soft chimes painting the soundscape. It’s the perfect prelude; inviting us to surrender expectations and prepare for emotional elevation. You feel the mysticism instantly, a reflection of the EP’s title: Into Divinity.
“Piano Song (The Breakup)” is where .Roy first lays his emotional cards on the table. A minimalist piano melody echoes with loss and vulnerability, acting as backdrop and co-narrator. His vocals are stripped and tender. He’s not performing pain, he’s reliving it. The production is simple, almost skeletal, making each lyrical turn hit deeper. This song doesn’t just explore heartbreak; it inhabits it.
Then comes “Lush (Nights at Mirage),” a sensual midnight drive wrapped in neon warmth. The beat leans into alternative R&B and soft trap drums, with glittering synths and chord progressions that recall nights spent caught between desire and dreams. .Roy’s vocal delivery is smooth and honeyed, peppered with melodic runs that melt into the mix. It’s a vibe-heavy standout, showing the EP’s range in sonic palette and emotional depth.
“The Villain (Shadow Side)” hit me personally. This track dives into the psychological battlefield; the confrontation with one’s darker impulses. The production gets heavier here: distorted bass, haunting strings, and echoes that creep like shadows. .Roy spits more aggressively, his voice layered and occasionally pitch-shifted to emphasize inner conflict. It’s a necessary detour, a reminder that self-discovery means wrestling with the self; not just admiring it.
Arguably the soul of the project, “Smile On Me” is the prayer-song. The arrangement is beautifully understated; guitar strums, soft pads, and drums that mimic a heartbeat. Lyrically, it’s a cry for guidance, grace, and a glimpse of light. .Roy’s performance here is spiritual. His falsetto dances lightly while his chest voice anchors the emotion. It’s affirming, not only in sound but in purpose. It left me still.
Just as we’re deep in our feels, .Roy serves a clever breather. “Shaq’s Intervention (Skit)” is a hilarious, tongue-in-cheek skit that still sneaks in a deeper layer. It disrupts the flow—but intentionally. It feels like your best friend pulling you out of a spiral, reminding you not to take yourself too seriously. Even skits here have heart.
The groove returns with “Favorite” and brings on board pure serotonin. The beat swings with a bounce that begs for a car ride or a late-night dance. The production is brighter, with basslines and layered harmonies that feel entirely current. .Roy’s vocal phrasing is playful and smooth, delivering lines with effortless charm. It’s one of the catchier moments on the project and brings levity in the best way.
“Ascension (Third Eye Activation)” is where the title “Into Divinity” fully manifests. Spiritual themes and esoteric imagery swirl over an otherworldly beat—ethereal textures, reversed vocal samples, and a kick pattern that feels like an ancient ritual drum. .Roy sounds weightless here, letting his voice echo like a mantra. This is an initiation. It’s bold, experimental, and rooted in the idea of healing through sound.
“Legacy” returns to the ground, speaking plainly and powerfully about impact and the desire to be remembered. The instrumentation is rich—lush keys, layered strings, and a boom-bap-influenced drum pattern that gives it gravitas. .Roy reflects with humility and hunger as he sings. His lines stuck with me. Isn’t that what we all want?
By the time we reach “Hello World,” .Roy has fully bloomed. This is his arrival anthem—full of declarative energy and smooth flexes. The production is crisp, with hard-hitting drums and cinematic flourishes. His voice commands attention here, walking the line between rapper and singer with dexterity. If Intro was the entry point, “Hello World” is the confident handshake.
Closing with grace, “Outro” ties the journey in a bow of gratitude and reflection. It mirrors the spiritual calm of the opening track but feels more grounded—like he’s been through something and returned. You leave the EP with the sense that something shifted in you too. “Into Divinity” is a full-bodied experience. .Roy doesn’t just make songs; he builds worlds. His collaboration with Petty Beats and Prod Matt Cody is seamless. Every track flows with intention, wrapped in high-level production and heartfelt arrangement. The EP speaks to the dreamer, the heartbroken, the hopeful, and the healing.
As someone who listens to a lot of music, it’s rare that something surprises and sits with me long after the final note. .Roy has done both. This debut has earned its place in the constellation of artists who are shaping the future—not just of sound, but of spirit. So here’s my message to .Roy: Welcome to the stage. You didn’t just arrive—you ascended. And we’re lucky to be along for the ride.
Listen to the “Into Divinity” EP on Spotify
Follow .Roy here for more information
