The Philadelphia artist formerly known as Blueboy Laz is back with a new single and a new name. In 2020, we received the More That We Can Be EP, a 5-track effort from Laz that uses gentle melodies to tell tales of loss and how to handle the aftermath of a struggling love. After the impressive songwriting on that EP, we received loose singles via Soundcloud. This all leads up to Sunday, May 8, when the vocalist took to Instagram to announce he will be changing his name to Lam Zigbuo, the name bestowed upon him at birth. This news was companied by the announcement of the new single, “MMO”, a single no one could have prepared for.
With this name change came a change in Zigbuo’s sound. “MMO” introduces a new artistic expression for him with darker tones and a seemingly brand new approach to crafting a melody. His gravel-infused vocals sit on top of sporadic synthesizer chords and his words express a pure yearning. “MMO” plays out like a coming-of-age story from the perspective of a young man finding his footing creatively and personally.
Zigbuo’s songwriting has always been detailed and honest, but we are introduced to a whole new side of the poet. The lyrics on “MMO” paint a pastille portrait of youthful lust and shows how vulnerable the wordsmith behind those words can be. There is a looseness to this record, you’re greeted with an ambient feeling that allows the listener to connect to all aspects of “MMO”. The open lyrics and airy instrumental meet in the middle to create a bright and carefree environment that allows the listener to interact with Zigbuo’s songcraft on a deeper level than just sonically.
Lam Zigbuo did not change his name for branding purposes, he’s ushering in a new era in his art, an era that promises to expose challenging realities and the necessary tribulations of facing them head-on. “MMO” gives us a hint of where the Philadelphia native is heading creatively without giving too much leeway into future releases, it sets us up perfectly for what is bound to be a great year for Lam Zigbuo.
Check out “MMO” below;