gang signs

New York’s buttery soulstress ilham emerges as one of the most essential voices in US R&B; releasing new visuals for ‘gang signs’. 

Born and raised in Queensbridge with Moroccan descent, ilham burst onto the scene with her 2018 debut body of work ’41-10’, a compelling and gorgeous web of narratives that acted as a redefining of growing up in the New York projects. The singer songwriter followed up the acclaimed release with her 2019 ‘with time’, another remarkable offering that cemented ilham’s place within the US R&B climate; peaking at #1 in the R&B iTunes Charts.

‘gang signs’, released via Def Jam Recordings, shows ilham at her stunning, introspective best both lyrically and vocally. The moody, murky production is juxtaposed with ilham’s uniquely ethereal tone and cadence, as she delicately constructs a vivid narrative that explores the difficulty of being emotionally upfront in a relationship; for fear of being hurt or your feelings being unreciprocated. The show-stopping hook is a standout moment, with an instrumental crescendo married with ilham’s soaring vocals that rise into a sense of coy vitality; desperate for the honesty of her lover. 

Discussing the single, ilham commented:

“ ‘gang signs’ is about loving someone, wanting to ride or die for someone, wanting to fully be immersed in someone’s world, but then also having a protective wall that doesn’t allow the both of you to fully give in.”

Working towards the release of a project in 2022, ilham is an enthralling talent who has a huge future ahead. Hear the latest chapter of her unravelling puzzle now.