B-Side Soul, the debut album from South London’s own Roseland En Why Cee, is out now. It’s a project that’s as introspective as it is genre-bending, blending soulful instrumentals with sharp lyricism and offering a refreshing take on identity, trauma, and resilience. Here are five compelling reasons you should give this standout debut a listen.
1. A Raw, Unfiltered Look at Generational Trauma
Roseland En Why Cee’s lyricism in B-Side Soul is hauntingly honest, revealing layers of inherited pain and struggle. In songs like “Past Life,” he reflects on the emotional weight he carries from his ancestors, weaving tales of family resilience and hardships that resonate with anyone who has felt the weight of their own lineage. Lines like “Mommy carried me for nine, I carry her pain forever” bring out the album’s deeply personal nature. Roseland’s words serve as a reminder that trauma doesn’t end in one generation – it evolves, and he makes it his mission to address it head-on.
2. The Perfect Fusion of Jazz, Soul, and Hip-Hop
Roseland’s jazz background shines through in his production choices, combining soulful rhythms with hip-hop’s raw beats and flow. By layering live instrumentation, such as bass, piano, and guitar, he gives the album a warm, organic sound that separates it from more digitised hip-hop projects. The track “Ways of Seeing” is a prime example, with its smooth bassline and introspective lyrics. B-Side Soul achieves a unique sound that feels as authentic as it does experimental, making it a captivating listen for fans of genre-blending music.
3. An Anthem for the Outsider
Roseland describes B-Side Soul as “B-side music for B-side people.” This sentiment resonates throughout the album, as it embraces those who feel they don’t fit into traditional molds. His exploration of themes like otherness and the pressure to conform makes this project especially powerful for anyone who’s ever felt like they exist on the fringes. Tracks like “Hands of Men” confront this sense of isolation, speaking to the courage it takes to walk your own path, even when the world seems determined to push you back.
4. Inspired by the ‘B-Side Aesthetic’ – A Nod to Authenticity
The concept of a “B-side” is key to understanding the album’s message. Roseland drew inspiration from writer Johny Pitts’ theory of the "B-side aesthetic," a celebration of music that defies mainstream expectations. Traditionally, a B-side track allowed artists to experiment, to be themselves without worrying about commercial appeal. Roseland embraces this idea, creating music that’s deeply personal, with lyrics and themes that reflect his true self. This commitment to authenticity is refreshing, especially in a music landscape that often prioritises trends over substance.
5. A Journey of Healing and Self-Discovery
At its core, B-Side Soul is about healing – both from personal wounds and from the scars left by history. Roseland confronts these issues with vulnerability, using his music as a medium for self-discovery. His desire to break the cycle of inherited trauma is clear in every track, and his journey offers a relatable, cathartic experience for listeners. By the end of the album, there’s a sense of hope, a feeling that even though we carry the weight of the past, there’s a way to move forward. B-Side Soul is not just a collection of songs; it’s a roadmap for anyone seeking to understand and embrace their own story.
B-Side Soul is a debut that stands out, not only for its musicality but for its depth and authenticity. Roseland En Why Cee has created an album that invites us all to look inward, to confront our own histories, and to find strength in the process. This is music that lingers, challenging us to think deeply, feel fully, and remember that the outsider's perspective is often the most revealing of all.