Chase Shakur Tells You To “Focus On Me”
Chase Shakur approaches relationships with a keen analytical eye, crafting R&B psychodramas that provoke thought even as they soothe the senses. The Atlanta native’s new single, “FOCUS ON ME, ”out now via Def Jam Recordings, is seductive and sweet, but anxiety creeps under the surface. With lilting, conversational melody, the singer-songwriter attempts to connect with his distant lover, pleading with her to put her phone down and give him attention. Chase bolsters his seduction with some classic soul production, courtesy of PRODUCER, laden with warm electric keyboards, gently-strummed acoustic guitars, fluttering woodwinds, and as a coup-de-grace, a soaring string section.
The latest in a run of acclaimed singles, “FOCUS ON ME” will appear on WONDERLOVE, Chase’s next LP, coming in 2025. Chase kicked off his WONDERLOVE run this summer with “PASSENGER SEAT PRINCESS,” an uptempo banger created in collaboration with rising ATL rapper Destin Laurel. In September, Chase dug deeper into his own psyche with the haunting “LIMERENCE,” praised by UPROXX, BET, Rated R&B, and more. Most recently, the 24-year-old artist shared “2OfUs,” a spritely love song, and its accompanying music video.
“FOCUS ON ME” is another sterling addition to Chase Shakur’s catalog of R&B gems. The Atlanta native started his rise in 2022, after dropping out of school to focus on music and getting kicked out of his house in the process. He quickly found success with his 2022 debut project, It’ll Be Fine, home to cult hits like “too far close” (38 million Spotify streams) and “i don’t want to fall in love, it’s too late now” (35.3 million Spotify streams), which drew the attention of Def Jam Recordings. In 2023, Chase capitalized on that album’s success by releasing the it’s not you, it’s me EP, and its companion, it’s not you, it’s me…it’s love, earning him praise from outlets like Billboard, Office Magazine, Lyrical Lemonade, and more.
This year has been a busy one for Chase Shakur, filled with new singles and high-profile performances. In March, just before performing at Rolling Stone’s Future Of Music Showcase at SXSW, Chase shared “THE STUNT-MAN PACK,” a double single featuring “YOLANDA,” an airy, uptempo, and wistful club anthem, and the off-kilter slow jam “OPTIONS.” Over the summer, Chase toured the globe with The Kid LAROI on the Australian artist’s “The First Time Tour.”
Readying himself for a massive 2025, Chase Shakur aims to change the R&B conversation with WONDERLOVE. Stay tuned for much more from the exciting young artist in the near future.