It'll Be Fine

Released in mid-2022, 'It'll Be Fine' serves as a definitive statement for Chase Shakur's hazy, nocturnal R&B style. The project is characterized by its 'submerged' production, a technique that involves heavy filtering to create a sense of distance and intimacy simultaneously. Clocking in at just over 25 minutes, the nine-track album functions more like a continuous suite or a mood piece than a collection of singles. It sits firmly within the contemporary R&B landscape but leans heavily into the lo-fi and 'alt-R&B' aesthetics popularized by artists like Brent Faiyaz, though with a more pronounced focus on atmospheric textures. The lyrical themes revolve around the 'damage' that comes with modern romance, self-medication, and the struggle to maintain emotional stability. Critically, the album was noted for its cohesive vision and Shakur's ability to maintain a specific, brooding energy from start to finish without it becoming monotonous.