The Grammy-winning artist reveals his most personal work yet with new single "the feeling"
Category: Arts & Culture
Steve Lacy, the Grammy-winning artist known for his genre-defying sound, has announced his third studio album, Oh yeah?, which is set to be released on July 17 via RCA Records. This highly anticipated project comes nearly four years after his previous album, Gemini Rights, and features the release of the new single titled "the feeling," marking Lacy's first new music of 2026.
The announcement of Oh yeah? has generated excitement among fans, as the album is described as Lacy's "most personal and transparent work to date." He wrote, performed, and produced the entire album himself, a reflection of his artistic vision and dedication to his craft. The new single, "the feeling," follows the earlier release of "Nice Shoes" in August 2025, which Lacy referred to as a trailer for the album.
In a press release, Lacy emphasized the significance of this album, stating that it allows him to design an aural world that is singularly his. The track "the feeling" blends groovy bass lines with atmospheric melodies, featuring lyrics that convey a sense of introspection: "After all, there’s one thing that I don’t know/ Am I your baby?" This song positions Lacy as a contemporary artist seeking to inherit the legacy of musical icons like Prince, as he navigates between dreamy pop and laid-back rap.
Steve Lacy first hinted at this new chapter in his career with the release of "Nice Shoes," which set the stage for Oh yeah?. The single was described as a precursor to the full album, and Lacy has taken considerable time to craft this project, aiming for a deliberate reinvention of his musical style. His Internet bandmate, Matt Martians, praised early versions of the album, noting that it reflects classic pop songwriting rather than chasing current trends.
As fans eagerly awaited updates on the album, Lacy remained largely quiet, leading to speculation about when the new music would arrive. The announcement has now confirmed the release date, providing a clear timeline for fans who have been anticipating his next move.
The cover art for Oh yeah? was shot by filmmaker Gus Van Sant, adding a layer of visual artistry to the project. In addition to the music, the single "the feeling" was co-written with Alice Smith and Matthew Castellanos, who also directed its accompanying music video. The video features surreal imagery, including scenes of Lacy's head floating in darkness and performing in an empty room, which complements the moody and atmospheric nature of the song.
With the release of Oh yeah? coinciding with the arrival of another solo album from his bandmate Syd, titled Beard, the timing is particularly notable for fans of The Internet, the band that helped launch Lacy's career. This dual release showcases the artistic growth of both musicians and highlights the collaborative spirit within their musical community.
Looking ahead, Lacy is scheduled to perform at the Summer Sonic festival in Tokyo and Osaka in August, marking his return to the live stage after a lengthy hiatus. The excitement surrounding the upcoming album is not just about the music; it also reflects a broader anticipation for Lacy's future endeavors as an artist.
As fans prepare for the release of Oh yeah?, many are left curious about the full tracklist, which has yet to be revealed. The album promises to deliver a unique blend of personal storytelling and innovative soundscapes that have become synonymous with Lacy's work.
With the announcement of his new album and the release of "the feeling," Lacy is set to make a powerful return to the music scene. As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to exploring the depth of his artistry and the evolution of his sound.
On July 17, 2026, listeners will finally have the opportunity to experience Oh yeah?, a project that captures Lacy's growth as an artist and his commitment to creating music that resonates on a personal level.