New Diggings｜GENA’s one of the best to do it right now.

Singer Liv.e and drummer Karriem Riggins join forces to form the duo GENA. Liv.e’s solo work blends hip-hop, jazz, and soul, often leaning into a psychedelic style, and she has collaborated with underground rappers like Earl Sweatshirt and Pink Siifu. Karriem Riggins, on the other hand, is a highly respected drummer known for his work in the ’90s with artists like Common and J. Dilla, and has long been dedicated to pushing the fusion of jazz and soul.

Their collaboration comes to life in this year’s album release, The Pleasure Is Yours, which showcases both ambition and musical sophistication. The track “Circlesz” features plucked-string-like drumming paired with constantly shifting vocal tones, giving a traditionally soul-inspired song a striking sense of freshness.

“HOWWEFLOW” opens with Karriem’s crisp drumming, perfectly matched by Liv.e’s seductive vocals. The duo maintains complete control over the rhythm, creating a feeling that’s hard to describe yet deeply captivating. Built on past influences, this new project pushes toward a modern sound.

Most impressive is that the entire album contains no samples—every melody and rhythm is composed and performed by the duo themselves. The intricate drum pockets and psychedelic vocal textures may sound unconventional, yet the album maintains a remarkable cohesion, often making it easy to listen from start to finish in one go.

Their outstanding musicianship has also earned them an invitation to NPR’s Tiny Desk. If you are curious, their Tiny Desk performance is definitely worth checking out.