Syd just released her third solo album‘Beard,’and the artist behind it is fundamentally different from the person who made music four years ago. The R&B legend opened up about major life transformations in a Rolling Stone interview that goes way beyond standard album promo talk. She married her wife Ariana Simone in a quiet LA courthouse last summer, got sober in 2024, purchased her first home in Baldwin Hills steps from her parents’place, and made the conscious decision to step back from touring to focus on what actually brings her joy—gardening, painting, and time in her garage.
What makes Syd’s story resonate is her refusal to apologize for these changes. She talks about having newfound confidence and assuredness, and you can feel that clarity running through every track on‘Beard.’The album feels intentional and personal in a way that only comes from an artist who’s taken the time to figure out who they actually are when the industry noise gets turned down. She’s one of the architects of modern R&B, a woman who helped reshape the genre as a teenager, and now she’s using that platform to show that success doesn’t have to look like constant performance and visibility.
The wildest part? She deliberately released‘Beard’the same day as Internet bandmate Steve Lacy’s new album. When asked about it, she said,“Who does that on purpose?”and answered her own question by actually doing it. That’s the kind of confident move you only make when you’ve stopped trying to fit the industry’s expectations. Whether you’ve been following Syd since her Odd Future days or you’re just discovering her with this album,‘Beard’feels like a masterclass in knowing exactly who you are. Have you listened yet, or is this release on your playlist?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.