(March 12, 2021) Uncluttered, uncomplicated and the last decade of sophistication laced with simplicity: that’s how most of us remember the 90s, at least culturally. R&B was replete with sassy soul sirens who blended their sweet vocals with street stylings and chill vibes. That’s what Joyce Wrice recalls and embodies with her glib, midtempo single, “On One.”
A California native who grew up absorbing 90s-era soul and hip-hop, Joyce has spent the last few years honing her songwriting skills and supple soprano, since dropping her debut, Stay Around, in 2016. Anyone’s who’s dealt with a “loves me, loves me not” crush can easily relate to “On One,” which basically describes the conundrum of wanting to get closer to a guy who, well, stays in “perpetually trippin'” mode: “I’m usually quick to cut it it off but with you I can’t choose, cuz’ you on one/if I switch it up fast on you baby you’d lose, cuz you on one.”
Freddie Gibbs lends his flow to the bridge and joins one of the variety of cameos on Wrice’s full-length LP, Overgrown. The song is executive-produced by D’Mile (H.E.R., Victoria Monet, The Carters) and combines her love for rap and R&B hybrids, with a flavorful twist.
Saucy without being overtly sexual, confidence without being cocky: the 90s were all of that. Joyce Wrice is a voice to listen for amongst the reboots and resurgents…as “One” of the worthy standouts
By Melody Charles
Joyce Wrice – “On One”
