Reuben & Friends
Love is War Release Show
If you’re not familiar with Reuben Vincent, now is a great time to tap into the Jamala Records/Roc Nation artist. The Charlotte, NC native just dropped his debut album, Love is War and Soular World Magazine got a glimpse into his first performance since it was released this past Friday.
Love. A complex concept to understand, but an undeniable feeling to detect. From the green room to center stage, love radiated through The Neighborhood Theatre, as Reuben prepared for the show to begin. Surrounded by friends, family, and other CLT artists gearing up to share their discographies with an intimate crowd, Reuben was calm and collected. We spoke a little about his hectic day before he had to check off a few last minute to do’s.
Hosted by 9th Wonder, the show commenced and it was a perfect way to kick off the year of live music for Soular World Magazine. Charlotte has so many talented up-and-coming acts and it was a pleasure to see them under one roof.
Friendship is a beautiful thing & sharing is an integral part to its beauty. Reuben welcomed Southside Gauxst, Swank & King Draft, Heather Victoria, Cyanca, AHMIR, Mavi 4 Mayor, and Lute to share the stage alongside him. You could tell with each set, the love and care that went into creating their music. They each performed with passion and made it a point to openly express their gratitude and congratulations to Reuben on his new project.
The hairs on my arms stood up straight while the base of heavy drum patterns beat in sync with my heart. We hadn’t even got to the album yet and I felt love rumbling through my belly as I sang along to Cyanca’s New Phone, Who Dis? and gazed in amazement at Mavi 4 Mayor’s Self Love.
I could say that the show could’ve stopped after each friend had come and gone, and that I would have been satisfied. But truthfully I was still hungry to hear more. After spending the entire day listening to Love is War on repeat, I was thirsty for Reuben to dive into the songs.
Laced with intricate storytelling over smooth succulent beats, each track oozed with intensity and desire. From the personification of money on the track Mon’e, to the triumphant chant-like live rendition of Look What You Did featuring Sonny Miles. Reuben allowed us to explore his continuous journey with love firsthand. But it was his performance of 2ime Flies that sent my pulse racing and my tear ducts swelling with emotion.
Containing a sample of Janet Jackson’s 1986 Funny How Time Flies, the song is the epitome of intimacy. He recalls the sacred time spent with a lover. The track is the perfect balance of the thrill that comes with sex and the longing for that high to continue past physical climax. Hearing him perform it live gave me goosebumps.
Reuben understands that he lives an unconventional lifestyle at what can be a very bizarre time in one’s life. Yet he still wants to make an effort to find and feel love in its full capacity. He performs with confidence and commands the crowd to listen to every word that comes out of his mouth, and I can only speak for myself when I say I did.
As the show came to a close Dj Johnny Kaine led Reuben through the final song and it was bittersweet to see the lights go down.
Soular World Magazine is more than grateful to have experienced such a monumental moment in Reuben’s career. His work ethic is unmatched and SWM is eager to watch him not only take over the music industry, but also inspire this generation of storytellers to take their time with their art and allow themselves to feel love even if it feels like a war at times.
Written & Shot by Arial Robinson