Just when we thought summer had packed its bags, Oakland's very own Ian Kelly gifts us with the perfect soundtrack to hold onto those final, fleeting moments of sunshine. Released on September 13, 2024, A Summer Pack With Love is a smooth, soulful collection that wraps up the season with a vibe that feels like late-night drives through the city or sunset hangs with your crew. Kelly’s ability to blend love, grief, triumph, and growth into one sonic experience shows us why he’s one of the Bay Area’s most exciting artists to watch—and trust me, if you don’t know his name yet, you will soon.
For the last six years, I’ve been covering hip-hop and R&B, and one thing that always stands out to me is when an artist’s authenticity shines through. With Ian Kelly, there’s no pretense. He’s bringing his real-life stories, his Oakland roots, and his growth as a man and artist into every beat, every verse. A Summer Pack With Love isn’t just music for the moment—it’s music that tells a story, and we’re all invited to listen.
What really sets this EP apart is the way Kelly explores new sounds without losing that soulful essence we love. From pop-leaning melodies to jazzy, laid-back production, Kelly shows us that he’s not afraid to experiment. The EP even nods to West Coast legend Dom Kennedy’s From The Westside With Love, a project that defined a moment for West Coast hip-hop. And like Kennedy, Kelly’s new work feels like he’s in a period of discovery, trying new things but keeping it true to who he is.
What I love most about A Summer Pack With Love is how Ian brings in a diverse group of collaborators that complement his sound perfectly. Sandy Benjamin from Ohio, Lulbearrubberband (who’s holding it down for Oakland), SundaY, fresh off a feature with Larry June, and J Walt, who’s got a Top 100 track on Apple Music—all of them bring their A-game. Roux Shankle also adds a unique twist to the project, making it a collective experience while still keeping Kelly’s voice at the center. You can feel the energy of these rising artists as they weave their talents into the EP’s fabric.
Let’s talk singles for a second. When I first heard “Love Agenda” featuring Lulbearrubberband, I was struck by how it balances introspective lyrics with an undeniably smooth beat. It’s the kind of track that makes you think about your own love life while vibing out. Then there’s “In The Bay” featuring Sandy Benjamin, a high-energy anthem that could be the backdrop to any late summer function. And “Hands Up” hits hard, tackling real issues while keeping the rhythm alive. But the crown jewel for me has to be “Step” featuring SundaY. This track just feels good—it’s that kind of feel-good bop that makes you want to get up and dance and be carefree.
Ian Kelly isn’t new to this, though. He’s been making waves in the Bay Area for a while, from being featured on EA Madden 2022 to his critically acclaimed project Kells is D.E.A.D., which KQED named one of the Top 10 Bay Area Albums of 2021. And let’s not forget his freestyle on Sway in the Morning—if you haven’t seen it, go run it back because it’s fire. This year alone, Kelly has already performed alongside Grammy-winner Robert Glasper and dropped his ART EP, which was executive produced by Drake’s collaborator Ovrkast.
Sway called it right when he said Ian Kelly is one of the Bay Area’s most promising talents. With this EP, he’s taking us on a new chapter of his musical journey, and I, for one, am here for it. His star is rising fast, and if A Summer Pack With Love is any indication, he’s got so much more in store. From performing at Grammy Week to being featured on BET Jams and Hulu, Kelly is proving that he’s not just an Oakland gem but a national one.
So as we say goodbye to summer, I can’t think of a better way to close it out than with A Summer Pack With Love. Whether you’re catching the last bit of summer sun or just need a vibe for those late-night playlists, Ian Kelly’s got you covered. Sis, trust me—this EP is a whole mood, and you’ll be listening to it well into fall.
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