Jesse Boykins III Is Enigmatic As Ever on 'Love Apparatus'
Jesse Boykins III’s second studio LP is still his best work ever.
Jesse Boykins III released his album Love Apparatus on April 22, 2014, ten years ago today, marking his first complete solo project in over five years. This release followed a significant hiatus after his 2008 album, The Beauty Created, just nine months after his debut, Dopamine: My Life On My Back. Initially emerging as a promising young talent, Boykins quickly captured the attention of influential music blogs and a fresh wave of R&B enthusiasts with these early works. However, following this burst of activity, he largely receded from the public eye, making only sporadic appearances.
Despite the gap in album releases, Boykins has maintained a dynamic and influential presence in the contemporary R&B scene. His work during this period includes an array of singles featuring collaborations with other artists, among his most acclaimed contributions to music. Boykins has gained recognition for his distinctive vocal style and charismatic presence through partnerships with artists influenced by Soulquarian aesthetics like Melo-X and MoRuf. He has also made notable appearances on tracks such as “From Time,” a collaboration between Drake and Jhené Aiko.
Over recent years, Boykins’ artistic identity and style have been shaped by extensive touring across Europe and close collaborations with electronic music producer Machinedrum. These experiences have deeply influenced both his personal growth and musical evolution. The creation of Love Apparatus was a period of reinvention for Boykins, featuring tracks like “Toot d’Amore” with Chin Chin, “Make Me a Fool” with Foreign Exchange, “If I Could Tell You No” with Zo!, “See with Me” with Full Crate, and “The Higher Times” with the Internet.
Among the standout tracks from the LP is “B4 the Night Is Thru,” produced in collaboration with Machinedrum. This song showcases a soft mid-tempo approach as it explores themes of romantic aspiration: “Her look is timeless, I’m just a nerd.” Notably included in the album alongside ten other tracks produced by Machinedrum—with additional contributions from Hadyn and Chad Beatz—this track distinguishes itself for its lyrical longing and suitability for dance floor play.
While some songs on the album veer towards a psychedelic slow house style—“The Wonder Years” perhaps the best example—others like “See with Me” offer tender slow love songs. Throughout these varied musical explorations, Boykins consistently maintains his gentle vocal delivery while demonstrating remarkable versatility in conveying deep emotional intimacy through his music.
Machinedrum, known for his innovative approach to music production, particularly shines when collaborating with avant-garde R&B artists. His work on “Live in Me” is a testament to this, where he masterfully blends complex layers of percussion with the ethereal sounds of strings and horns. This intricate soundscape perfectly complements Boykin’s often poetic, albeit occasionally melodramatic, lyrics. In moments like these, Boykins delivers lines such as “You can feel it in my stare/No need to be scared,” conveying an emotional sincerity.
The album starts with "GreyScale," where Boykins heralds a personal transformation and seeks acknowledgement for his reinvention. Here, Machinedrum’s spiritually infused vocals meld with funk-infused beats, establishing Boykins not as another [insert any fairy tale singer] but as an artist true to his style. This track sets the tone for an album that consistently explores themes of love and self-discovery.
Boykins excels in his role as a lyrical persuader throughout the album. He adeptly convinces his lovers of the worthiness of their love, reassures himself of his value in love, and engages us—the listeners—to embrace his narrative fully and experience the breadth of emotions he presents.
The synergy between Boykins’ velvety voice and Machinedrum’s meticulous production creates a dynamic flow throughout the album. This is particularly evident in tracks like “Show Me Who You Are,” where upbeat horns and alluring 808s provide a backdrop for Boykins’ seductive invitation to his partner to unveil their true identity. The collaboration between artist and producer not only enhances the musical experience but also deepens the album’s thematic content, making it a feast that invites repeated listening.