(July 14, 2024) The intertwining of soul and hip-hop vibrantly broadened the scope of modern R&B during the 1990s and 2000s. While many producers have successfully merged these two worlds for major artists, few have made the leap from behind the boards to the vocal booth like Brooklyn-based Johnny Burgos has recently. The nephew of revered NYC percussionist André Martinez, Burgos was influenced by the eclectic sonic blends of Erykah Badu and Mos Def and began his professional path as an engineer. He released his first single as a singer-songwriter in 2017 and has since been honing a vocal and lyrical style that is candid, relatable, and truly lived-in.
“Plays for Keeps,” the newest single from Burgos’ just-released second full-length album, All I Ever Wonder, marks a noteworthy turning point in his evolution as a recording artist. Backed by an infectious rhythm section emitting ‘70s Philly soul vibes and a wicked groove which should do Questlove proud, Burgos’ sensitive yet assertive vox ooze a quiet sensuality á la El DeBarge. “You think you’ll have me, but I can be a lot to take,” he croons with sly restraint. “And once you’ve had me, baby, I’m impossible to shake.”
Burgos’ down-to-earth and memorable storytelling has been palpable from day one, and his growth in phrasing and range leaves no misunderstanding of the thoughts revealed in “Plays for Keeps.” He states of the song’s incarnation: “It was the product of a lot of complicated feelings around sex. It’s equal parts sexual growth, frustration, insecurity, and indulgence. I wrote it three years into the longest period of being single in my adult life. I was learning how to date casually and responsibly for the first time. I’ve always been a very sexual person, but I think my upbringing and society made me feel a lot of shame around that and prevented me from learning healthy ways to express it. Ways that reinforce love, care and communication. This song feels like a celebration of the sexual liberation and confidence I’ve experienced in the last four years, but in the context of one encounter.”
Check out “Plays for Keeps” and welcome the multitalented Johnny Burgos to SoulTracks!
