Touting a trove of tailor-made hits, Wolfacejoeyy is primed for a clear-cut breakthrough wearing his heart on his sleeve.
Sharing his debut album, VALENTINO, on Wednesday (May 15), the 18-track project solidifies the Staten Island native’s status as one of the East Coast’s most exciting—and versatile—emcees. With singles like “Double Tap,” “cake,” “don’t be dishonest,” “I know” and “wya” subtly uncovering the album’s sound, Joey’s mark of consistency continues to be unblemished stemming from his debut EP, all your fault, at the tail-end of 2022—triumphantly introducing himself on VALENTINO.
His ability to effortlessly bend sexy drill into oft-angelic croons has become a hallmark within his catalog, navigating the throes of situationships and fleeting flames throughout his official debut. “[VALENTINO] is just me in my element,” he told us ahead of its release. “I feel like I’m growing into myself as an artist. I really locked into a lot of R&B on this project more than ever. There are a lot of R&B influences and also my subject matter is more on point… The album is really just me when it comes to anything… I’m Valentino.”
The cross-section of VALENTINO‘s fusion of R&B and Sexy Drill (peep his performance on “Weekend” with Chow Lee and Cash Cobain) strikes gold through Joey’s intoxicating and hypnotic vocals. Much like “Double Tap” and “wya,” an array of high energy 808-heavy cuts like “alexis texas,” “TOUCH THE MOON” and “solar” display Joey’s knack for floating over wacky, club-laced bops with charisma and character.
However, more vulnerable outings like sneaky link anthems “facetime interlude” with Reuben Aziz, “talk less” and “tiffany” display Joey’s intent of crafting nostalgic-feeling R&B, akin to 2010s Drake. As carefree and flawless as the 21-year-old’s youthful energy is, he sounds more focused than ever on VALENTINO—immersed in his element and shining bright because of it.
VALENTINO follows Joeyy’s joint project with close collaborator and producer Whereis22, 22Joeyy, last September, with VALENTINO admittedly being “an exploration of Joey’s loverboy persona, enriched with romantic anthems that paint the imagery of flirtatious late-night adventures and flirty-yet-witty exchanges in Joey’s dreamlike croon.”
Featuring rising UK R&B singer Reuben Aziz and production from WhereIs22, McVertt and Joey himself, VALENTINO proves to be the true starting point of Wolfacejoeyy’s legacy.
This story will be updated.
Check out “VALENTINO” below!