The OVO Sound artist gets candid at an exclusive listening event and interview. Multimedia Editor Christopher Claxton reports.
a society where men are often pressured to display unwavering toughness, shedding tears can lead to stigmatization, branding them as weak or inferior. Defying these norms, Roy Woods fearlessly confronts his own internal struggles, choosing to share his mental battle with the world.
Woods, the Toronto-born OVO Sound artist, recently released his sophomore project Mixed Emotions after a three-year hiatus.
The 17-track album is a melodic masterpiece that delves into the complexities of love and life. Woods bares his soul and candidly addresses his personal struggles — including his struggles with mental health.
From the previously shared tracks “Touch You,” “Insecure,” “Bad Bad,” and “Don’t Love Me” to the latest additions such as “Young Boy Problems,” “Don’t Mind Me,” and “Test What I Know,” each song presents a piece of the artist’s emotional journey.
Woods has not shied away from acknowledging his past shortcomings and red flags in tracks like “Made Mistakes” and “Don’t Love Me.” Additionally, the song “Hate Me,” featuring Coi Leray, demonstrates his resilience in shrugging off haters.
Throughout the album, listeners are taken on a winding path of emotions, with Woods confronting feelings of disloyalty and navigating through the challenges of fame.
During an intimate evening for press and VIPs, the artist played music from the new album and gave a brief interview. During his time on the mic, the artist opened up about his decision to take a break from music, revealing that it was primarily due to mental health issues. This revelation is especially poignant as he belongs to a community where mental health discussions, particularly among Black men from Caribbean backgrounds, remain taboo.
Woods’ single “Don’t Love Me” serves as a powerful testament to his inner struggles with relationships and his career. He disclosed being diagnosed with depression at the age of 19, though he recognized the presence of this mental battle as early as 13. Despite these challenges, he initially coped by pushing those feelings to the back of his mind, pressing forward with determination.
Today, Woods remains hesitant about seeking therapy, turning instead to his music as a form of self-expression and therapy. Through his songs, he finds an avenue to pour out his heart and confront the issues that weigh heavily on him.
“Mixed Emotions” dropped July 28, via OVO Sound/Warner Records. This album is not only a testament to his artistry but also a powerful reminder that even amidst challenges, vulnerability can become a source of strength, inspiring healing and growth.
Tracklist
1. “Made Mistakes”
2. “Young Boy Problems”
3. “Don’t Love Me”
4. “Hate Me” Feat. Coi Leray
5. “Test What I Know”
6. “Down Like That”
7. “That Thing” Feat. Jada Kingdom
8. “Dime”
9. “Insecure”
10. “Bad Bad”
11. “Don’t Mind Me”
12. “Unsettling” Feat. Vory
13. “Touch You”
14. “Gas Out The Window”
15. “You Ain’t In The 6”
16. “Thought It Was You”
17. “I Just Wanna Love”
