Alex Forte – “Morena”

Alex Forte’s EP “Morena” feels like one of those rare releases that hits you on a few different levels at once. Right out of the gate, there’s a warmth and confidence in the production that makes you want to sit with it. It’s textured, smooth, and clearly crafted with intention, pulling from both hip hop and Brazilian music without ever sounding like it’s trying too hard; it just fits.

I love how personal it feels without leaning into anything overly polished or performative. You can tell Forte is working through something real here, thinking deeply about identity, ancestry, and what it means to stand in your skin with pride. But he doesn’t preach. He just tells you how it is, often through vivid snapshots and moments that land harder than a full-blown manifesto ever could. Don’t just listen to one track; you must listen to every second of it, from “Carnaval” to “Oasis (Free My Soul)”. f I have to pick just one favorite track, it will definitely be “Bizarre Ride”.

It’s not a long project, but it’s layered. You get the sense that every track matters, and none of it is filler. Alex’s voice carries the whole thing with this grounded energy that’s hard not to respect.

If you haven’t tapped in with Alex Forte yet, now’s the moment. Follow him on social media to stay up on what’s coming next in 2025, because if “Morena” is any sign of what’s ahead, you’ll want to be around for it.