Velvet

Released in 2018, Velvet represents the culmination of JMSN's 'Blues Boy' era, moving away from the more experimental, dark textures of his early work (like †Priscilla†) toward a more refined, classic R&B and funk sound. The album is notable for being entirely self-produced, written, and performed by Berishaj, reinforcing his reputation as a singular auteur in the alternative R&B space. Sonically, the record is a tribute to the analog era, utilizing tape saturation and live instrumentation to achieve a 'dusty' yet high-fidelity sound. Critics noted the album's cohesion, with tracks like 'Levy' and 'Drama' receiving two-part treatments that allow the musical ideas to breathe and evolve. While it draws comparisons to D'Angelo and Prince, Velvet maintains a distinct identity through JMSN's specific vocal arrangements and his ability to blend vulnerability with a cool, detached confidence. It stands as one of the most consistent and immersive R&B records of the late 2010s.