Review: Nick Hakim’s ‘I Can See’ Solidifies the Brilliance of ‘Stoner R&B’

With the release of his latest album, I Can See, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Nick Hakim delivers a masterful contribution to the evolving landscape of contemporary alternative R&B. Often colloquially categorized under the term "stoner R&B"—a descriptor meant not as a detraction, but as high praise—the subgenre has expanded significantly over the past decade. Hakim’s new record serves as a definitive showcase of this style, comfortably joining the ranks of landmark, boundary-pushing releases by peers such as Frank Ocean, Dijon, Brent Faiyaz, and Jhene Aiko. I Can See embraces a distinctly atmospheric lane, prioritizing mood, texture, and deep sonic exploration over rigid, radio-friendly pop structures.

At the core of I Can See is an uncompromising commitment to rich, analog-leaning production. The album is characterized by a unique blend of slow-burning grooves and a heavy, resonant bass foundation that anchors the otherwise drifting melodies.

Key Sonic Elements of I Can See:

• Languid Grooves: Rhythms that refuse to be rushed, establishing a relaxed, hypnotic pulse.
• Psychedelicized Production: Heavy use of tape delays, warm analog synthesizers, and reverb-drenched instrumentation.
• Unhurried Vocal Delivery: Hakim’s signature dreamy falsetto and intimate, soul-stirring vocal layers that float effortlessly above the arrangements.

This deliberate slowdown allows the music to breathe, inviting listeners into a highly sensory, meditative experience that distinguishes Hakim from more mainstream, commercial R&B acts.

This sonic direction marks a natural evolution for Hakim, who first captured the music industry’s attention with his acclaimed 2017 debut Green Twins and subsequent experimental projects. Throughout his career, Hakim has championed an avant-garde approach to soul music, collaborating with diverse artists across the indie, jazz, and hip-hop spheres. I Can See represents a culmination of this artistic journey. By leaning heavily into the "stoner R&B" ethos, Hakim taps into a broader cultural zeitgeist that values vulnerability, introspection, and sonic escapism. It is a genre-fluid space where the boundaries of traditional soul are melted down, leaving behind a highly potent, hallucinatory form of modern blues.

Ultimately, I Can See is more than just a collection of late-night tracks; it is a cohesive, boundary-pushing artistic statement. Hakim succeeds in making music that feels both deeply nostalgic and entirely futuristic. For listeners seeking an antidote to the hyper-polished, fast-paced nature of modern digital music, this album offers a welcoming, slow-motion sanctuary. It stands as a triumph of modern alternative R&B, proving that some of the most compelling musical statements are made when an artist decides to slow down, take a breath, and let the groove take control.