For rising R&B singer Quincy, it’s all about making an unforgettable entrance. His debut EP, Q Side B Side, not only sees the California-based crooner float over a pack of revitalized pop-centric rhythms, but states his arrival as R&B’s next tantalizing voice.
As the son of R&B legend Al B. Sure! and adopted son of Diddy — who recently launched his R&B label LOVE Records with his first signee Jozzy — the genre is making a comeback in a big way. While Q Side B Side is just an appetizer for Quincy’s eventual full-course debut, there’s tons to take away from the New York-born emcee’s first project. As a pure multihyphenate — dipping into modeling, acting and even training to become a professional baseball player — Quincy’s skillset as R&B’s Swiss Army knife stretches far beyond the confines of the booth.
Initially starting out as a model and actor — appearing in 2015’s DOPE alongside Zoë Kravitz, Shameik Moore, Tyga and A$AP Rocky — his affiliations in film led him to pursue a career in music. Shifting his side hustle to his main focus, Quincy’s first few R&B-pop singles in “Friends First” with French Montana and “Exotic” with G-Eazy quickly introduced listeners to his glistening vocal chops and redefined ear for hip-hop and R&B.
This streak of singles, however, was just the start for Quincy, as there’s truly no bad side to Q Side B Side. The 6-track EP sees Quincy at both his highest and lowest — finding relatability amid the heartbreak that unwillingly falters him throughout the project. Tracks like “Face Off” and “It’s scary Outside… Call Me” are the epitome of Quincy’s range as a multi-genre vocalist — finding pockets in each cut’s swooning, sultry production that’s perfect for late night cruises and pregames alike.
While Quincy continues to cultivate his sound and build his brand, we caught up with him to chat about his journey into music, his new EP, musical inspirations and more in this Our Generation Music exclusive.
Listen to Quincy’s ‘Q Side B Side’ below!
This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and cohesion.
JB: You’re a man of many talents — acting, modeling, and even playing baseball for a period of time — how has your experience in your previous work funnel into your music now?
Q: “Baseball taught me patience. That’s helpful for everything in life. Everything is timing. Stay sharp but wait on it. How have they shaped [me] in the artist I’ve become? Fashion and acting unbox your personality, originality, and confidence. I believe in trying everything until you feel what’s for you and what isn’t.”
JB: A debut project is a huge step towards greater success, what do you hope to achieve with this record and what is the meaning behind this project?
Q: “I hope to get the proper respect as an artist and not someone just making music. I feel a lot of the real music gets overlooked easily. The meaning behind the project is simply an introduction to who I am as an artist.”
JB: For listeners that don’t know who you are, what do you hope they take away from hearing your music for the first time?
Q: “I hope I gain a new fan. New music is always tough to digest. I want them to take their time… [because] for me, music is about the feeling it creates. Music also is a unifier. I love bringing people together and music does just that.”
JB: Who’s the all-time dead or alive collaboration you’d want to make?
Q: “Michael Jackson!”
JB: What do you feel you’re bringing to the game that’s been missing? How do you feel your sound — and EP — differentiates from everything else out right now?
Q: “I’m introducing a new refreshing feel good sound. I was born R&B and grew up Hip-Hop, so my sound ranges in between the two.”
JB: Tell me the story behind “Face Off” and what went into creating this record? To me, this one really stands out.
Q: “This record is one of my favorites too, I teamed up with my boys, Ryan Toby and Harmony Samuels. We wanted to create an intimate record that puts both the man and the woman in a vulnerable place. The rest is history… or “herstory.”
JB: What would you say is your greatest achievement up until this point?
Q: “The ability to do what you love and work on your craft. It’s a constant gratitude that I have to be able to call this work. Why? It’s tough to juggle careers, but I have been thankful it has not become overwhelming…”
JB: Looking back on yourself 5 years ago, what would be some advice you would give to your younger self to maybe end up in a better position in where you are now?
Q: “I think we all wished we listened to our younger self more. I wouldn’t be so hard on myself… ALL THE TIME. I’m a lot more relaxed through everything now.”
JB: With everything you’ve done, what does this next chapter look like for you following ‘Q Side B Side’?
Q: “The music is going to bring everything together. Excited to see how the music gets perceived mixed with my future plans. Collabs are on the way, performances, everything to keep my experience as an artist evolving and endless.”
JB: What’s your message for Our Generation?
Q: “If you can think it you can blink it, always stay driven and motivate the people around you. Don’t limit yourself, you never know where your passion can take you.”
