Kevin Ross isn’t afraid to admit that the hustle of chasing his dreams has taken a toll on his relationships. ‘LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX’ is his tribute to romance that serves as a constant reminder to always put love first.

Stream: ‘LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX’ – Kevin Ross

It’s about celebrating love in all its forms through the joy of R&B music… It’s my love letter to the genre that shaped me.

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From his work as a songwriter, producer, and artist, to his endeavors spearheading his own label, Kevin Ross is dedicated to making a name for himself on all sides of the music industry.

He’s an iconic presence in R&B and a pivotal force in determining the progression of the genre. His new album celebrates milestones of his single “Love In The Middle” topping the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart for a total of four weeks along with a Love Uptempo Tour. It’s evident that the momentum is rising around Kevin Ross and it’s all because of the vulnerability he displayed on his latest album.

LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX - Kevin Ross — LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX – Kevin Ross

Released August 28 via Art Society Music Group / Empire, LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX is the start of a new era for Ross as musician and lyricist. Thematically, the album dives into the excitement of how we fall in love as people. In a world that’s ripe with diversion, Ross attempts to restore the magic of human connection. Ross reminds us that loving someone should be easy. LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX offers us a breather from the stress of our lives and a chance to escape inside our own imaginations.

Revealing more on his record, Ross tells Atwood Magazine, “This project means so much to me because it’s about celebrating love in all its forms through the joy of R&B music and its effects on the mind, body, and spirit. It’s my love letter to the genre that shaped me.”

Returning to his roots of R&B while adding in elements of soul, AfroBeats, and pop, Ross creates a vibrant sonic universe that transports the ear from start to finish.

The puzzle pieces of LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX fit together seamlessly as Ross bridges the gaps between songs with immersive interludes. His ability to create a world around an idea has always been palpable in his music, but never before like this.

“Love Uptempo (Intro)” opens the album strong with vibrant bass lines and silky-smooth vocals that sweep the spirit off its feet. The outro of the track feeds right into the next song on the album, “Back 4 More.” Over enticing notes of piano and swift rhythmics, Ross tells the story of a spark that overtakes his conscience. It captures the craving of wanting more in the early stages of getting to know someone with intensely romantic lyrics. Followed by “Spin,” the album continues to build off the chemistry that’s been heating up. Ross sings, “Sweet like cocoa, I can’t front / Can already taste you on my tongue.” “Spin” keeps the tension brewing as Ross takes us deeper inside his fantasy.

“Afrolude” connects us to the heart of the album with haunting harmonies that unravel over blissful beats and mesmerizing notes of percussion. Fifth track “Love In The Middle” is a high point on LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX. Ross sings, “‘Cause you worked all day / And you’ve been going through things / Yeah, you deserve a break / So let’s stop for a little, put love in the middle.” The song reflects the core message of the album; prioritize love in all forms, as it is the fabric of humanity. Followed by “KJ’s Interlude,” Ross adds dimension with swift beats and abstract vocals that echo his energy of love. “Check In” turns up the heat with exotic riffs, stark percussion, and adventurous lyrics that make you feel like you’re on vacation.

The effervescent sonics behind “Slide” elevate Ross’s powerhouse vocals to the surface. Feeding off the energy of “Check In,” “Slide” is all about putting reality on pause and stepping into the euphoria of the moment. “Luxury Lust” is about how riches distract us from the root of reality. The decadent sonics and soothing beats on the track only add to the attraction of distraction. “They Don’t Know About Us” is a deeply intimate listen that feels like you’re right there with Ross as he navigates the vulnerable side of a relationship. The sonics are subdued, allowing Ross’ vocals to take the reigns.

LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX closes out the journey by revisiting two of the most powerful tracks on the album. “Love In The Middle – Live” allows the listener to get a grasp of Ross’ natural charisma as a performer. It feels like a full-circle celebration listening to the live version of the song at the end of the album. Twelfth song “Spin (Again)” brings on Matt B for a spicier take on the already addicting track. The album plays you out with a warm, energetic burst of beats that fill your heart to the brim.

Sharing more on his hopes for what listeners will take away from the album, Ross confides, “As an independent artist, I’m grateful to be able to create music on my own terms and share it with people who truly connect with it. LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX is me pushing the boundaries of what R&B can sound like while keeping that soul at the center. I hope when people hear it, they feel good and inspired.”

LOVE UPTEMPO: MAX is a highly important album in this day and age. It’s so easy to get swept up in the hate that surrounds our news cycles, or the pressure we’re under at work. Kevin Ross reminds us to take a breath, connect with the life force that makes us human, and celebrate the power that we have to love.

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