Legendary rapper, producer, and creative force Bootie Brown (Romye Robinson) continues to redefine sonic boundaries with the release of his latest single “UnAwake”, a vibrant, genre-blurring anthem that fuses opera, soul, funk, and experimental hip-hop into one hypnotic soundscape.
A founding member of the iconic alternative hip-hop group The Pharcyde, Brown helped shape the West Coast’s non-gangsta rap identity with era-defining tracks like “Passin’ Me By” and “Drop.” Now, with “UnAwake”, he’s pushing the envelope once again, this time into UltraHipFunkWave, a genre which he has created, that is as visionary and undefinable as Brown himself.
“‘UnAwake’ is based on the undisturbed dream of doing what many may feel is impossible because they’ve given up on the dream,” says Bootie Brown. “Sometimes the dream is what you need to get beyond the thought of people saying you can’t.”
Originally produced by Fabrice Grassin, the track takes unexpected, cinematic turns with Brown’s bold orchestration. He enlisted an opera singer and a live violinist to deepen the drama and tension within the arrangement, adding lush textures that elevate the song’s emotional weight. The addition of Chicago soul singer Peven Everett brings a pulsing, danceable energy, accentuating the track’s ethereal yet grounded duality.
True to Brown’s multidisciplinary spirit, “UnAwake” feels like a soundtrack to a dream-state revolution, a swirling blend of abstract thought, emotional gravity, and unapologetic rhythm. It’s a reminder that Bootie Brown is not just a voice from the golden era of hip-hop, but a sonic explorer charting new territory for future generations.
From Grammy-nominated collaborations with Gorillaz (“Dirty Harry,” “New Gold”), to powerful global projects with Africa Express (“Otim Hop”), Bootie Brown continues to influence and innovate. Currently on tour with Africa Express, he is also set to perform with Gorillaz at the Copper Box Arena in London on August 30th, marking another milestone in a career filled with fearless artistic leaps.
Beyond music, Brown co-owns Store No 242, and runs the independent streaming platform PharcydeTV, demonstrating his continued commitment to blending music, fashion, and forward-thinking culture.
With more releases lined up for later this year, “UnAwake” is just the beginning of Brown’s next chapter — a bold, beautiful testament to dreaming louder, creating fearlessly, and never staying in one lane.
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