Legendary rapper, producer, and creative force Romye “Bootie Brown” Robinson continues to redefine sonic boundaries with his latest single, “UnAwake.” As a founding member of the iconic alternative hip-hop group The Pharcyde, Brown helped shape the West Coast’s non-gangsta rap identity. Now, with “UnAwake,” he’s pushing the envelope once again, pioneering a new genre he’s created called UltraHipFunkWave, a sound as visionary and undefinable as Brown himself.
The song is a powerful anthem based on the “undisturbed dream of doing what many may feel is impossible.” As Bootie Brown explains, “Sometimes the dream is what you need to get beyond the thought of people saying you can’t.” This lyrical foundation is perfectly matched by the track’s bold, cinematic orchestration. Produced by Fabrice Grassin, Brown’s arrangement takes unexpected, dramatic turns by enlisting an opera singer and a live violinist to deepen the tension. The addition of Chicago soul singer Peven Everett brings a pulsing, danceable energy, accentuating the track’s ethereal yet grounded duality.
True to Brown’s multidisciplinary spirit, “UnAwake” feels like a soundtrack to a dream-state revolution, a swirling blend of abstract thought, emotional gravity, and unapologetic rhythm. The fusion of opera, soul, funk, and experimental hip-hop into one hypnotic soundscape is a testament to his fearless creativity. It’s a powerful reminder that Bootie Brown is not just a voice from the golden era of hip-hop, but a sonic explorer charting new territory for future generations.
From Grammy-nominated collaborations with Gorillaz to powerful global projects with Africa Express, Bootie Brown continues to influence and innovate. With more releases lined up for later this year, “UnAwake” is just the beginning of Brown’s next chapter—a bold and beautiful testament to dreaming louder, creating fearlessly, and never staying in one lane.
