Lion Babe
Begins
(Polydor)

After years of performing at music festivals and opening for artists like the UK’s Disclosure and rapper Childish Gambino, New York City-based duo Lion Babe finally releases its debut, Begin.  Comprised of singer-songwriter Jillian Hervey (daughter of actor-singer Vanessa Williams) and producer-musician Lucas Goodman (also known as Astro Raw), the followup to their 2014 self-titled EP is a genre-bending case of disco, pop, soul and R&B influences that’s as fresh as it is a throwback. Though the pair have been getting co-signs from well-known acts for the last three years, Lion Babe still flies under the radar. However, that might change this year. “Treat Me Like Fire” (which I heard on urban radio last week) is a slinky R&B groove that showcases Hervey’s Badu-esque vocal stylings. The same is further seen on “Jump Hi,” where Childish Gambino appears alongside a wonderful sample by Nina Simone. Other standouts include the seductive “Jungle Lady,” the groovy “Stressed OUT!,” and the saucy “Wonder Woman” (co-produced by Pharrell Williams).