Some artists release songs; others release chapters. For R&B artist Dondi, his new EP Ebb & Flow is firmly the latter—a carefully shaped body of work two years in the making and the first installment of a larger narrative arc. After 2023’s “Swim In Your Skin,” Dondi was determined to evolve, enlisting Grammy-winning producer Harry Zelnick to push his sound into bolder, more layered territory. The result is a record that feels both intimate and expansive, equal parts polish and raw emotion.
At the center of the EP is “That Woman,” a mid-tempo standout that pays tribute to Dondi’s late mother. Rather than leaning on sentimentality, the track distills her influence into something timeless—childhood lessons that carried into adulthood, captured in lyrics that balance gratitude with grief. When Zelnick first shared the beat, Dondi knew it was different. The melody arrived almost instantly, the hook carried weight, and the subject matter demanded honesty. The result is a song that transforms personal memory into shared resonance, inviting listeners to reflect on their own relationships.
Musically, “That Woman” thrives on restraint. The arrangement never overwhelms; instead, it creates space where emotion lingers. Intricate harmonies weave through the mix, while subtle call-and-response vocals pan across the stereo field like a quiet conversation between past and present. It’s music that rewards careful listening, especially on headphones, where every layered nuance and vocal inflection can be felt as much as heard.
Ebb & Flow is more than a one-off. Its sequel, Ebb & Flow (Deuce), is already slated for January 2026, extending the exploration of life’s cycles—grief, joy, and the spaces in between. For Dondi, this work isn’t just about craft; it’s about connection. He sees music as a place where private truths can find public meaning, offering clarity in a time often clouded by noise.
That sense of purpose runs deeper than any single track. Dondi is committed not only to his own voice but also to amplifying independent artistry as a whole. His message is clear: turn down the static, lean into what moves you, and discover the sounds waiting just beyond the mainstream.
With Ebb & Flow, Dondi has carved out more than an EP. He’s opened a space—tender, resonant, and unafraid of vulnerability—where listeners can find their own reflections. It’s a reminder that the most powerful R&B doesn’t just soundtrack our lives; it shapes the way we carry memory forward.
Dondi’s Ebb & Flow EP is available now on all streaming platforms.
Listen to “That Woman” on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/track/7txw0qGWhL6NoI2xJwtR5E
Stay tuned for Ebb & Flow (Deuce), arriving January 2026
