PHOTOS: BENJI. presents his new album “Love Gun II” at the Slow Jamz Gallery in Los Angeles

At an exclusive listening party at the Slow Jamz Gallery in downtown Los Angeles Benji, that’s all. hosted an album preview party to celebrate his upcoming EP, Love Weapon II. The Pittsburgh native and member of Spillage Village (Earth Gang, JID, 6lack, Mereba) gave fans a taste of the new EP, which is set to be released on July 19, via Guin Records / Since the 80s.

The evening was short and sweet, with friends and family, amazing DJ sets, the strongest drinks I’ve ever had, and a red pit bull that I would describe as the cutest party crasher in town. It only took the partygoers an hour and a half to get the uninvited guest, the pit bull, back outside to his owner and far away from the finger foods and designer sofa buttons he was planning to chew before the party started, but it was worth it.

BENJI. started the evening with a song that he hopes will be his next single on Love Weapon II, entitled “Radio”. This is a guaranteed hit in my eyes. If we were still in the days when radio broadcasts were the key to success, this would be at the top of the charts with its undeniable replay value and the nostalgic vibe we all love about our R&B music. Followed by four more songs and a preview track that was released against the wishes of his manager on Love Weapon II– the crowd was in high spirits and the candle-lit mini-stage glittered as everyone swayed to the beats.

^{This post may contain affiliate links. Ads and affiliate links are how independent blogs like Grimy Goods can operate and pay our staff. Thank you for supporting our work and being part of our music community.}

Love Pistol II The discography includes eight songs that lean into the feel of a diary entry about personal growth and love and loss. The tracklist hasn’t been announced yet and I don’t want to give too much away, but this EP leans more towards experimental R&B, with both psychedelic and pop-punk tones. Imagine Frank Ocean mixed with your favorite Green Day song and a dash of 2000’s Marques Houston. I know that’s a wild statement sonically and visually, but trust me, when you hear these as-yet-unreleased tracks, you’ll understand.

But don’t worry, R&B fans, there are a few slow jams thrown in for you too.

Photos and text by Asha Moné