After putting out a small handful of releases so far, musician, producer and songwriter Kai Kwasi is gearing up for the release of his upcoming EP Jahlila—named after his late grandmother—as he shares nostalgic R&B jam "Cracks".

Detailing a conversation he had with a friend, Kwasi skilfully articulates his ideas around the unusual comfort of our spiralling emotions. Lead by his smoky, spoken word-style delivery, the production stirs elements of alternative R&B and soul as Kwasi lets us in to share what's on his mind.

Kai explains, "I wrote 'Cracks' following a conversation I had with Joy [Crookes] about the feeling of spiralling and how sometimes it can feel like comfort in familiarity. We played "Cut Me" by Moses Sumney and talked about the lyrics in that: 'Might not be healthy for me but seemingly I need what cuts me.'

"It was one of those moments where someone articulates something you've been feeling perfectly. One of those moments where you realise we're all living such a similar experience and that you're very rarely alone in whatever strange emotion you might be thinkin' or feeling."

Jahlila is slated for release in March next year. For now, get warmed up with "Cracks".