R&B singer Lyfe Jennings will be releasing what he has called his “final” studio album later this month, via Warner Bros. Records.
The 13-track disc, titled I Still Believe and executively produced by Jennings himself, will feature contributions from Canadian producer T-Minus, Bryan Michael Cox, Erik Hudson and Troy Taylor; while the sole feature on the album is from soul-singer Anthony Hamilton who graces the soaring track “Hero.”
Jennings considers the LP a reflection of his “greatness,” the magnum opus of a career that stirred up heartfelt and no-nonsense musings about social problems and the saving grace that is love. Despite the personal and public trials in his life, Lyfe Jennings still believes in this love.
“I keep a lot going on. It’s tragic; I think I have a horribly charmed life,” he says. “But I think God puts me through stuff and keeps me there, so I can talk about it.”
He carries these experiences into the album. “[The album] is about all kinds of relationships,” Lyfe explains. “How we try to hold on sometimes for the sake of holding on. But, in reality, no matter how many breakups turn into make-ups, sooner or later we realize that this person is who they are and we need to let go. No grudges, no regrets. Just realization. Just acceptance. Just life.”
In support of his final release, the singer will embark on a national tour this fall for one last hurrah with his fans.
Regarding his decision to step-away from recording, Lyfe says he’s grateful for all the support over the years, but doesn’t reveal what he calls his “next journey.”
“To my fans/friends, we’ve had a hell of a ride,” he says. “Some of us will reach our destinations faster than others, but I thank you for traveling with me, supporting my every step. We are only human and human is only temporary. Thank you for seeing my spirit. Pray for my next journey guys, it’s been great.”
I Still Believe is due out August 31.
Tour dates are as follows:
9/11 – New Orleans, LA @ House of Blues
9/12 – Dallas, TX @ House of Blues
9/15 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues
9/17 – Las Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
9/18 – West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club (two shows)
9/19 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
9/21 – Seattle, WA @ Showbox at the Market
9/24 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
9/27 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
9/28 – Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues
10/1 – New York, NY @ BB King’s Blues Club
10/5 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend
10/6 – Charleston, SC @ The Music Farm
10/8 – Orlando, FL @ House of Blues
10/9 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
10/10 – Tampa, FL @ The Ritz Ybor
10/13 – Atlanta, GA @ Center Stage