Passionate, sensual and introspective: kwn ‘with all due respect’ is worth the hype
The EP is earning the respect of British R&B fans, with kwn easing her way into the music scene as a force to be reckoned with.
Photo: Michelle Helena Janssen
The up-and-coming East London R&B artist kwn (pronounced kay-one) released her second EP during Pride Month — a fitting moment for a project so openly queer, diaristic, and emotionally bold. Featuring London R&B girl group FLO and American R&B star Kehlani, with all due respect, is as much a celebration of intimacy and identity as it is a confident musical statement.
Her indescribable sound, marked by electric fluidity and a textured approach to music, offers a sensual, bold and passionate experience. The EP arrives ahead of her EU/UK tour this October, with her London concert taking place at the iconic Jazz Cafe in Camden.
stand on it gives you beautiful sax notes at the start, paired with the subtlety of soft drums. “Don’t fuck me righteous, then surprise us, leaving me on read babe… stand on it girl.” It’s a track about standing on business and not hiding how you feel. kwn makes it clear she’s not embarrassed to love her woman — she’s not going to love her in private. She’ll stand on it, girl.
worst behaviour takes you back to the classic sounds of ‘90s R&B, as kwn expresses a desire for her woman to be on her worst behaviour while making love to her. The track is rich in imagery — you can really visualise the scene. Kehlani’s feature adds to the mood as she comes in while driving, elevating the sensual vibe with cheeky metaphors like, “keep drivin’, one hand on the wheel and one inside it”.
Arguably the standout song on the EP, back of the club explores the vulnerability that comes with love and intimacy. Kwn sings, “scared of saying too much, scared of not saying enough,” capturing that tension perfectly. “Wanna get drunk in the back of the club with you” is a line that instantly places you in the moment. “Your hands ain’t left my face, and our favourite songs are playing.” It’s a song that lets you dream, not just about where you are, but where you want to be, with the person you want to be with.
talk you through it is one of the most intimate songs on the EP, featuring vocals from FLO that blend seamlessly with kwn’s tender delivery. It’s about the deep trust you have in someone to talk you through a moment. kwn sings the bold and sensual line, “Take me back to third base, let me have a taste.” FLO follows with, “Know you love it when them tears roll down my leg,” a lyric that captures the vulnerability and trust involved in fully opening up to someone. The song showcases a moment so raw and safe that nothing needs to be said.
The EP closes powerfully with war to be over, where kwn is at her most open and raw. She struggles to express her feelings, weighed down by the inner voice telling her she’s not good enough, while facing accusations from her partner of being a liar and a cheat.
“Ah baby, I’m a lying ass, cheating ass everything according to you.”
She responds:
“Ironic, I can’t talk about my feelings.”
It’s arguably an emotional unraveling that ends with her pushing her partner away: “You deserve someone better than me. Don’t waste your time waiting for me.”
with all due respect is an EP that pulls you in with its raw honesty and emotional depth. It’s sensual, bold, raw, and addictive. More than just a compelling debut, it’s a bold declaration of self. kwn is securing her place in British R&B as a rising star who deserves respect.
with all due respect is out now via RCA Records.