Bradd Marquis, the seasoned soul artist with 16 years of dedication to the craft, is back with a new track that redefines the boundaries of contemporary R&B. Titled “O U,” this song takes listeners on an intimate journey, celebrating the first moments of connection between Marquis and his wife. With heartfelt lyrics that reminisce about the couple’s first meeting, their first night together, and the instant bond they formed, “O U” is a soulful homage to love and intimacy.
Marquis, a proud artist under the SOULMAN Music Group, is not just singing about love—he’s elevating it to a form of art. In “O U,” he fuses the rich, rhythmic traditions of Afrobeats with the soulful depth of R&B and the irresistible grooves of funk. This blend isn’t just a musical experiment; it’s a revolution for the ears of true R&B lovers who crave authenticity in an era dominated by repetitive sounds.
The release of “O U” is part of Marquis’s new EP, I Choose You, a collection that promises to open the “freshness seal” on R&B. Marquis’s innovative approach is a breath of fresh air for those who grew up listening to the likes of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Luther Vandross, Patti LaBelle, and Earth, Wind & Fire. I Choose You is not just an EP; it’s a revolution in Black music, tailored for today’s audience and future generations alike.
For Marquis, this isn’t a new venture. He has spent the last four years touring the world, paying tribute to the legendary Sam Cooke with sold-out performances that remind audiences of the power and mystique of the original soul crooner. This experience has not only deepened Marquis’s understanding of music but has also inspired him to blend the old with the new, much like Cooke did when he merged gospel with blues.
With I Choose You, Marquis introduces us to “Afro-Bradd,” a new sonic identity that merges the polyrhythms of the Mother Continent with the emotional depth of Black America’s funk, soul, and R&B. This hybrid sound is brought to life by the skillful production of newcomer Prosee (Ariginal) and longtime collaborator Jerry Compere, with indie soul star DeBorah Bond contributing co-writing on the rhapsodic track “Dance Amongst the Stars.”
The lyrics of I Choose You stand out in an industry often dominated by superficial and hyper-sexualized themes. Marquis offers vibrant, mature songs about love, viewed through the lens of a husband and father who is still deeply in love and grateful for all he has been blessed with. The joy and sincerity of this project are palpable in every note, making it a must-listen for those seeking authenticity in today’s music.
The tracks on I Choose You are love letters set to music. The title track invites listeners into the mind of a man on his wedding day, reflecting on the commitment he’s about to make. “My Everything” explores the vulnerability and healing power of love, while “Date Night” offers a blueprint for keeping romance alive. “Dance Amongst the Stars,” with its Spanish guitar and Afro-Latin jazz influences, is a sweeping celebration of enduring partnership, challenging couples to take their partners by the hand and dance.
“O U” stands out as a deeply personal recollection of the first moments of connection between Marquis and his wife. The track captures the immediacy of their bond, the chemistry that sparked their relationship, and the love that continues to grow. It’s a song that resonates on a personal level, offering a relatable narrative that many listeners will find comforting and engaging.
Bradd Marquis is not just a musician; he’s a man on a mission. His dedication to celebrating love, marriage, and commitment is evident in every project he undertakes. From his debut album Finding My Way to his recent exploration of love’s complexities in Love…, Marquis has consistently delivered music that speaks to the heart. With his ongoing tribute tour to Sam Cooke and his soon-to-launch podcast Iron Sharpens Iron, Marquis continues to champion the values of Black Love and healthy manhood.
As Marquis builds his legacy, I Choose You is a testament to his unwavering commitment to creating music that is both timeless and relevant. Supported by college, indie, and Internet radio, as well as social media and streaming platforms, this EP is set to further solidify Marquis’s place in the pantheon of soul music. For those who appreciate the beauty of love, marriage, and commitment, Bradd Marquis is an artist who knows—and he’s here to remind us all.