GROAVEN Radio (Episode 8)

Episode 8 of GROAVEN Radio moves with quiet intention. The selector starts on “S.T.L,” a groove‑centric cut from SAULT that grounds the mix in low‑lit bass, clipped handclaps, and a chant built for steady nodding. Momentum carries into “Karma,” where 2BYG leans on call‑and‑response hooks over New Jack Swing drums, keeping the pulse taut without crowding the pocket. Sasha Keable’s “Act Right” nudges the mood toward frank confession, followed by the airy harmonies of LÉA THE LEOX’s “OpenYourEyes,” which adds a hint of uplift before Jaz Karis cools everything down with the patient heart‑check of “Too Soon.” JACOTÉNE’s “Forgive Me” closes the opening run, matching raw vocal edges with stripped‑back keys for a moment of accountability.

The midpoint favors polished R&B. Eric Benét and Keri Hilson glide through “Can’t Wait,” a duet built on an uptempo dance groove and a back‑and‑forth that balances desire with restraint . Ledisi follows with “7 Days of Weak,” her voice stretching over plush keys and a measured pocket that recalls peak quiet‑storm radio. Destin Conrad’s silken “Mr. E,” Silas Short’s guitar‑rich “Pass On By,” and Coco Jones’s self‑assured “By Myself” keep the temperature warm while letting each singer linger on personal space and small realizations.

A sharp pivot arrives with Fly Anakin’s “Corner Pocket,” where razor‑fine verses from Quelle Chris and BbyMutha ride The Alchemist’s dusty loop, giving the playlist its grit. Emma‑Jean Thackray’s “Save Me” answers with layered brass and stacked vocals that open the mix outward. “Cleopatra Jones” brings the Wu‑Tang cohort back into cipher mode, Mathematics laying down a rolling drum pattern that lets Raekwon and Masta Killa trade lines with veteran calm. Ray Vaughn signs off with “XXXL Tee,” cracking jokes and double‑time flips that lighten the closing stretch.