BLXST is back with his first full-length album in two years.
The Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and producer released his new album Labor of Love on Friday (June 12), and the 13-track project finds the Los Angeles native returning to the hands-on creative approach that helped establish him as one of the leading voices in modern R&B and hip-hop.
Featuring appearances from Sasha Keable, Cheyenne Wright, Oakland poet Love Rich TT, and Big Sad 1900, Labor of Love was entirely written and produced by BLXST himself.
"With this album, I wanted to reconnect with my roots and get back to my 'why,'" BLXST said in a statement. "I wanted every detail to come from me: every kick, every snare, every word."
The album arrives alongside the release of the official music video for "Ruin" featuring Sasha Keable. Shot at the historic Frank's Restaurant in Burbank (the same location Vince Staples used for his recent “Blackberry Marmalade” clip), the visual follows BLXST as he watches various couples navigate relationship struggles, while Keable appears as a waitress.
The album's cover art features an image of BLXST's childhood home on the East Side of South Central Los Angeles, highlighting the project's focus on self-reflection and reconnecting with his foundation.
Labor of Love also follows BLXST's 2024 album and accompanying short film I'll Always Come Find You, a conceptual release built around fictional characters and cinematic storytelling.
Since breaking through with 2020's No Love Lost and its hit "Chosen," BLXST has built a reputation for himself and earned Grammy recognition while also contributing to major projects, such as Kendrick Lamar's Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers.
