Muni Long, the Grammy-winning R&B powerhouse, has released her highly anticipated second full-length album, “Revenge,” through Def Jam Recordings. This album marks a significant chapter in Long’s career, as she continues to solidify her status as an R&B giant. Long’s journey to the top has been anything but overnight; under her real name, Priscilla Renea, she released two previous studio albums, Jukebox in 2009 and Coloured in 2018, while also writing hits for stars like Mariah Carey, Fantasia, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Fifth Harmony, and more. However, her viral sensation “Hrs & Hrs” from her debut album Public Displays of Affection: The Album is what got her to mainstream success, earning her a Grammy and double-platinum status.
Revenge, Long’s second album under the Muni Long name and her fourth overall, showcases her versatility and depth as an artist. The album features 14 tracks, including the chart-topping singles “Made For Me,” “Make Me Forget,” and “Ruined Me.” Muni Long collaborated with rising rapper GloRilla on the standout track “Leave My Baby,” which samples Funk Inc.’s “Kool Is Back” and 112’s “Come See Me.” Long’s vocal delivery on the track reflects a mix of frustration and calm as she contemplates leaving her man, while GloRilla delivers fiery bars that add a dynamic contrast.
Muni Long expressed her admiration for GloRilla, stating, “I love Glo; I think she’s super funny, and her punchlines make me laugh. Just thinking of female artists on the rise that I can collaborate with, I really love her perspective. She’s feminine but also real. She raps about more than sex and her body. She was a natural fit for me.”
The album opens with the piano-led track “Superpowers,” where Muni Long reflects on a relationship that ultimately leaves her alone. The track sets the tone for an album that explores the highs and lows of love. Songs like “Made For Me” and “Make Me Forget” showcase Long’s commitment to authentic 90s R&B, a refreshing contrast to the heavily studio-manipulated sounds dominating modern R&B. “30s” is a mid-tempo reflection on the pressures of aging, while the title track, “Revenge,” surprisingly takes a high-road approach, offering forgiveness instead of bitterness.
Other notable tracks include “Bessie,” which pays homage to sisterhood with a harder hip-hop beat, and “Played Yourself,” where Muni Long showcases her rap skills. The album’s final tracks, such as “Things I Never Said” and “Type Questions,” continue to highlight Long’s emotional depth and vocal prowess, with “Ruined Me” providing a poignant conclusion to the album.
Revenge also gained productions from Tricky Stewart, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Tee Romano, OG Parker, Tommy Brown, and Yonatan Watts, among others. This album serves as a follow-up to Long’s 2022 debut LP, Public Displays of Affection: The Album, which included her Grammy-winning hit “Hrs & Hrs” and other notable tracks like “Time Machine” and “Baby Boo” featuring Saweetie.
Muni Long’s promotional efforts have been equally impressive, utilizing social media to share live performance clips and creative teasers, ensuring that Revenge garners the attention it deserves. As one of the strongest R&B records of 2024, Revenge is a testament to Long’s artistry and her rightful place as a leading figure in the genre.
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