The singer-songwriter redefines modern R&B with high-energy grooves and soulful storytelling
Kevin Ross, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter known for his smooth vocals and innovative approach to R&B, has returned with Love Uptempo, an album that merges mid-tempo and upbeat grooves with timeless storytelling. With a career built on bridging generational gaps in music, Ross continues to explore themes of love, growth and soulful entertainment.
In an exclusive interview with rolling out, Ross discussed his inspiration, creative process, and the vision behind his latest work.
New album. How’d you come up with the title?
Love Uptempo. I wanted to focus on high-vibrational R&B music. I felt there was a void, and that’s what I’m focused on in my artistry. I work inside of a void by listening to the music that comes out. I’m a fan, a student first. I take a look at the landscape to see what’s missing, what I can add, and how I can contribute. I felt up-tempos were missing and wanted a project dedicated to mid-tempos and up-tempos.
When you think about Back 4 More, where were you when you wrote it? What was on your mind?
I wrote Back 4 More in January 2024. I came up with a bass line and knew I needed something funky, something my moms and others could relate to — a classic song structure, especially up-tempo. When you think about Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall and Thriller, the bass lines were pivotal. I wanted a bass-heavy, bass-driven record that DJs could play with a unique twist. That’s what Back for More is.
If you’re DJ’ing a listening session, how do you want them to listen to the first four records?
I curated the project intentionally for a day party. The flow doesn’t need to jump around because it’s consistent.
Back for More flows into Afro beats. It feels fluid through BPM or keys. I made sure to meet DJs halfway with what they need.
When you think of high frequency and Love in the Middle, where do they bring that creativity?
I dedicated Love in the Middle to the blue-collar lover — administrative assistants, post office workers, everyone working the nine-to-five hustle. They’re often overlooked. I wanted to give them something to go to work to and unwind to at home. That vibe felt infectious. Shout out to Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony for being amazing collaborators.
When you work with others, what makes a producer or writer great to work with?
Producers and writers who listen — who actually listen to the story the artist is creating — are the best. I was clear about my direction, and they were open-minded to receive it. They helped me collaborate to make Love in the Middle.
Most of these sound like big records — could be Grammy nominations.
We receive that!
When you think about some of your favorite artists, and when you want to make big music, who are you thinking about?
Grammy nominations are a bucket list for any artist. But I create music for my parents, my younger brother, and my cousins. I try to be a bridge between generations. Our household argues about music at cookouts. There’s a gap between generations, and I want to translate good music to all ages. Bruno Mars does it, but there are few like that. My goal as an independent R&B artist is to be that bridge.
If you could write a record with Stevie Wonder, what would the title be?
ASAP — Always Say a Prayer. That’s where I’d want to start with Stevie.
And if you and Quincy Jones added a record to Off the Wall, what would it sound like?
It would be lush, like Can’t Help It or Lady in My Life. I’d build in that adult R&B world, adding more to the collection.
When people say R&B is dead, what do you say?
The old way of thinking is dead. The future of R&B is independence. We need our own pioneers, like hip-hop had Birdman and Master P. R&B still makes money and is profitable; it just needs to be seen differently. That’s the reconstruction phase.
You’ve got this wonderful record, Luxury Lust. Why, and how can we listen to it?
Shout out to Justin Love for producing it. I wanted to tell a tale about comparison and discontent — how even when we attain more, it’s never enough. Luxury Lust reflects that pursuit: technical, fly, and cautionary.
How should we introduce your music to friends?
There’s something for everybody. Every record may not connect with everyone, but there’s at least one for each person. Love Uptempo challenges the ecosystem and encourages more up-tempo records. I’m tired of day parties only playing ’90s and early 2000s records as if we’re not making records for these vibes.
What movie would you like to see with your music?
The movie would be called Love Uptempo. Actors like Jacob Lattimore or Trevor Jackson — renaissance men who can act, sing, and dance — would be perfect.
Babyface asked you to remake a record. Which one?
That’s tough. I wouldn’t redo Bedtime, a slept-on Usher record. With a twist, it could really shine.
If Usher joined you for a record, what would that be like?
Something with a Rick James feel, modernized, with his band performing.
What has music education brought to your journey?
It has made me malleable, humble, and flexible. Just because I know something doesn’t mean I know everything. Music education taught me to stay open.
Favorite three places to tour?
Atlanta, Chicago, and New York.
How have you grown in this album compared to your last records?
Musical confidence. I didn’t overthink this project. I flush out good ideas until they’re complete. It’s a product of clarity and focus.
What speech would you give to young independent artists?
The title would be For What It’s Worth. Three points: Know who you are, know what you want, and practice spiritual endurance — withstanding the ups and downs of the industry.
When your son hears your music, what do you want him to feel?
I want him to appreciate what I’ve built, have a sonic catalog of my work, and carry forward the kind of man I was to him.
What’s the value of spirituality?
It keeps you grounded and humble. Divine alignment orchestrates life beyond imagination. Sometimes it takes years, but God’s faith in us can surpass our own.
Up Tempo, High Frequency—what frequency are you on when on stage?
Up tempo. My energy matches my music. I’m about entertainment and audience engagement. People pay to forget their worries, and that’s my job.
Thanks for hanging out with Rolling Out.
Follow me @KevinRossMusic on all platforms, and on TikTok @KevinRoss. Writers, please consider Love in the Middle for a Grammy nomination. Do the right thing!