Legendary rapper, producer, and creative force Romye “Bootie Brown” Robinson returns with his latest single, “UnAwake,” a vibrant and genre-blurring anthem that proves his artistic curiosity is as vital as ever. The founding member of the iconic alternative hip-hop group The Pharcyde, known for shaping the West Coast’s non-gangsta rap identity, is once again pushing the envelope with a sound he’s dubbed UltraHipFunkWave. “UnAwake” is a hypnotic soundscape that fuses opera, soul, funk, and experimental hip-hop into a truly visionary and undefinable experience.
The song is a powerful testament to the resilience of a dream. As Bootie Brown explains, “‘UnAwake’ is based on the undisturbed dream of doing what many may feel is impossible because they’ve given up on the dream. Sometimes the dream is what you need to get beyond the thought of people saying you can’t.” This lyrical foundation is perfectly matched by the track’s bold, cinematic orchestration. Originally produced by Fabrice Grassin, Brown’s arrangement takes unexpected turns, enlisting an opera singer and a live violinist to create a lush, dramatic texture. The addition of Chicago soul singer Peven Everett brings a pulsing, danceable energy, accentuating the track’s ethereal yet grounded duality.
True to Brown’s multidisciplinary spirit, “UnAwake” feels like the soundtrack to a dream-state revolution. It’s a swirling blend of abstract thought, emotional gravity, and unapologetic rhythm. The track is a poignant reminder that Bootie Brown is not just a voice from the golden era of hip-hop, but a sonic explorer charting new territory for future generations.
From Grammy-nominated collaborations with Gorillaz to powerful global projects with Africa Express, Bootie Brown continues to influence and innovate. With more releases lined up for later this year, “UnAwake” is just the beginning of Brown’s next chapter. It’s a bold and beautiful testament to dreaming louder, creating fearlessly, and never staying in one lane.
