Aryeè The Gem and Mick Jenkins Capture the Beauty of Honest Love on New Single ‘RAW’

Singer-songwriter Aryeè The Gem is no stranger to emotional vulnerability in her music, but with her latest release ‘RAW’ released by Saint & Citizen Music, she strips it all the way back, delivering an unconventional, timeless, modern soul record that honours the beauty of masculine vulnerability and emotional presence.

Featuring a striking guest verse from Chicago’s own Mick Jenkins, ‘RAW’ floats in a moody sonic space that blends alternative R&B and subtle hip-hop with poetic clarity. But beyond genre, this track serves a deeper purpose: it’s a love song that reclaims tenderness and emotional intelligence as acts of power.

Inspired by Anita Baker’s iconic ‘Sweet Love’, Aryeè sought to make space for a different kind of tribute—one rooted in admiration for real men who show up with purpose, intellect, and depth.

“In a time where a lot of songs bash masculine reflections, it was refreshing to come into connection with someone who embodied the qualities of a hardworking, purpose-driven, intellectual and self-aware man,” Aryeè shares. “After experiencing the feeling of genuine admiration for someone I was interested in being with, I felt compelled to name it—and create a song that reflected that.”

Her intention? To honour the imperfect, authentic essence of love, celebrating the messy, magnetic, and raw qualities that make someone captivating. Trakmatik & Hvstle’s smooth yet unconventional production provides the perfect foundation for Aryeè’s lush vocals and Jenkins’ grounded delivery. Rather than romanticising perfection, ‘RAW’ shines a light on emotional realness, something all too rare in modern love songs.

Jenkins’s verse is equally compelling, bringing a quiet strength to the record that reinforces its message without overshadowing Aryeè’s voice. Together, the two artists create a soundscape that feels intimate, elevated, and deeply lived-in. ‘RAW’ is a love letter to emotional maturity and genuine connection, wrapped in a sound that feels both classic and future-facing.