Stepping boldly into a new era of sound and storytelling, ExclusiveBoy D returns with Dark Shades, his latest 11-track album released on March 12, 2025. Building on the foundation of his well-received debut project, No Better Time Than Now, the Lumberton, North Carolina native showcases an evolved soundscape that blends intricate production, raw emotion, and an unfiltered narrative of personal growth and artistic ambition.
Since his debut, ExclusiveBoy D has gained well-deserved recognition, being featured in Earmilk, TJPL News, Hype Off Life, and Illustrate Magazine, among others. But he’s not one to sit back and coast on past success. With Dark Shades, he takes a meticulous, almost cinematic approach to music-making, crafting an album that does more than just entertain—it immerses, inspires, and challenges listeners to embrace their own individuality.
Growing up in a small rural town like Lumberton, there were limited options for creative expression. Music, church, and sports were the primary avenues to escape small-town monotony, and for ExclusiveBoy D, church was where his musical journey truly began. At Greenville Baptist Church, he honed his craft playing drums and singing background vocals, absorbing techniques from seasoned musicians and vocalists that would later shape his distinctive artistry.
But music wasn’t his only teacher. His inspirations stretch beyond sound into film, art, and gaming, with Dark Shades drawing influence from classic movies like “Class Act,” “Downtown 81,” “Basquiat,” “Lost in Translation,” and “Top Gun Maverick”. Much like a short filmmaker translating stories through music, he pieces together his emotions, experiences, and influences to create a world that feels immersive and deeply personal.
ExclusiveBoy D describes his sound as eclectic soul music, designed to inspire and motivate individuals who are also stepping out of the shadows and into the light. With Dark Shades, he isn’t just telling his own story—he’s holding up a mirror for listeners to see themselves reflected in the melodies, beats, and lyrics.
Each track on Dark Shades contributes to a larger narrative, acting as chapters in a visual and sonic journey. From deep introspection to moments of pure confidence, the album is layered with themes of self-discovery, ambition, love, and resilience. His attention to intricate production details and thoughtful songwriting elevates this album beyond just another hip-hop or R&B project—this is an experience that feels almost like stepping into an ExclusiveBoy D-directed film.
What makes Dark Shades particularly captivating is the way it weaves modern production techniques with nostalgic influences. Much like the soundtracks of the movies that inspired it, the album plays out like a carefully curated score to life itself. The beats hit hard yet soulful, the melodies are rich and textured, and the lyrics cut through the noise with poetic precision.
For ExclusiveBoy D, Dark Shades represents more than just another milestone in his career. It’s a testament to growth, perseverance, and the courage to embrace one’s own unique voice. He hopes his journey will serve as a beacon for young artists looking to carve out their own creative paths, proving that no matter where you come from, your story is worth telling.
With Dark Shades, ExclusiveBoy D cements himself as an artist to watch, bringing a cinematic approach to storytelling and a bold new perspective to modern music. Whether you’re in it for the thought-provoking lyrics, the masterful production, or the sheer emotion embedded in every note, this album is one that deserves a spot on your playlist—and in the soundtrack of your life.
