(July 6, 2026) Some will recognize Apropos as a contestant from season 19 of The Voice, which aired in 2020. The Detroit-based singer-songwriter, however, was already on his grind several years prior, and hasn’t stopped since. Following widespread recognition for his genre-bending 2017 single, “Talk Like That,” AP (as he is known in short) struck out on his own and began collaborating with the likes of hip-hop emcee Talib Kweli and the late, great Allee Willis.
Apropos and producer Jake Bass embarked on a musical partnership in 2023, landing an eclectic slate of singles including “Say Yes,” “Heartbreak,” and now, “10th Floor.” Exploring a lower part of AP’s vocal range—and a more sensual facet of his interpretational skills — the team melds influences of Al Green and Stax on a smoldering groove ballad that elicits equal parts nostalgia and seduction in an all-too-brief two-and-a-half minutes.
Driven by a chill drum groove, blue-hued guitar licks, and elegant orchestration, Apropos’ mellow and crisp delivery conveys sexy soul just as much in what he doesn’t do as what he does. There’s no rush or affectation as he croons the opening lines, “We were in love, and we were all right/High up above the Detroit skyline.” With a second vocal track showcasing his falsetto prowess, AP’s ever-so-subtle flourishes at the beginnings and ends of phrases enhance the familiar story line of “10th Floor”with an unmistakably memorable finesse.
Although many gems from the classic soul era that “10th Floor” hearkens back to were of similar lengths, when the fade-out starts right after the second chorus as Aproposbegins some smooth scatting, it’s a bit of a jolt to the system. A welcome walk down a halcyon road paved with authentic rhythm and blues seems to come to an unexpected halt. But maybe that’s the point of the story here.
