Lu’ Delivers a Fresh Sound with Gold Linen
Jesse Luketa, known professionally as Lu’, is a name making waves in both the world of professional football and music. The Arizona Cardinals linebacker and Ottawa-born artist has officially released his highly anticipated debut EP, Gold Linen, via United Masters. This project is more than just an introduction—it’s a statement. Infused with Afrobeats, R&B, and global sounds, Gold Linen is a deeply personal, sonically rich experience that showcases Lu’s growth as both an artist and storyteller.
Lu’s passion for music isn’t a side project—it’s a genuine extension of who he is. As someone who balances the intensity of professional football with the emotional depth of music, he brings a rare perspective to the industry. Gold Linen captures that balance, delivering smooth melodies, infectious rhythms, and deeply personal storytelling.
The Inspiration Behind Gold Linen
For Lu’, Gold Linen represents more than just an EP—it’s a canvas for his emotions, experiences, and self-expression. “Gold Linen is about owning your story, painting your own canvas,” Lu’ explains. “It’s about vulnerability, strength, and how we find our beauty in life’s simplicity. This project is crafted with purpose, layered with intention, and designed to make you feel good while getting lost in the vibe.”
Born in Ottawa with Congolese roots and now based in Phoenix, Lu’ seamlessly blends English, French, and African rhythms into a unique sonic experience. His ability to merge his multicultural influences into music makes Gold Linen an exciting and innovative addition to the Afrobeats landscape.
A Track-by-Track Breakdown of Gold Linen
1. More
The EP kicks off with More, an Afrobeats-infused love jam laced with R&B elements. Lu’ confesses his feelings in multiple languages, effortlessly transitioning between English, Yoruba, and Nigerian Pidgin English. The smooth melodies and solid drum grooves set the stage for what’s to come.
2. Lady
Featuring Spanish guitar-driven instrumentation, Lady offers an intoxicating blend of rich soundscapes and layered atmospheric textures. The song’s repetitive yet memorable hook adds to its appeal, making it a standout track that explores blossoming love and an appreciation for the finer things in life.
3. Si Mi
On Si Mi, Lu’ taps into his Congolese and Nigerian heritage, delivering a multilingual performance that effortlessly blends French, Yoruba, and Pidgin English. His vocal versatility shines through, making this one of the most dynamic and engaging tracks on the project.
4. Bad
One of the most anticipated tracks from Gold Linen, Bad is a high-energy anthem that captures Lu’s signature style. A fusion of Afrobeats and R&B, the song is driven by hypnotic rhythms and infectious melodies. The newly released music video for Bad further amplifies its impact, bringing the track’s energy to life through stunning visuals.
5. Lela
Lela is a celebration of sound, featuring electrifying guitar licks and an interpolation of a well-known Shaggy hit. Lu’ delivers verses in both English and French, further emphasizing his bilingual storytelling ability. The track’s seamless blend of melodies makes it an instant favorite.
6. Alright
The EP closes on a deeply reflective note with Alright, a track that delves into life experiences, personal loss, and gratitude. Lu’s poignant lyrics and heartfelt delivery make this a touching and thought-provoking finale to Gold Linen.
The Evolution of Lu’ as an Artist
Lu’s journey into music has been anything but conventional. While his career as an NFL linebacker demands physicality and discipline, his artistry allows him to tap into a different kind of strength—one rooted in storytelling and emotion. His ability to juggle these two demanding careers speaks volumes about his dedication and passion for both fields.
Lu’ first gained attention in the music industry with singles like Nerves, Feva, Over, and Suga, each of which showcased his ability to craft infectious melodies and deeply personal lyrics. Now, with Gold Linen, he steps fully into his own as an artist, presenting a cohesive body of work that cements his place in the Afrobeats scene.
Since its release, Gold Linen has been met with praise from both fans and industry professionals. Listeners have taken to social media to express their appreciation for Lu’s ability to blend multiple genres seamlessly. Many have noted how Gold Linen offers a refreshing take on Afrobeats while maintaining a global appeal.
With such a positive reception, it’s clear that Lu’ has struck a chord with listeners across various demographics. Now, he finds himself as the center of attention.
What’s Next for Lu’?
With the success of Gold Linen, Lu’ shows no signs of slowing down. He plans to release more music videos, embark on live performances, and continue expanding his artistic footprint. His management team is strategically positioning him for long-term success.
Lu has ensured that his presence is felt, as his music is truly making an impact. With his music picking up steam, expect to see him showing up in many other places. In addition to performances, expect his media appearances to increase. These media appearances will be for the music, not the sports.
As he continues to break boundaries in both football and music, Lu’ remains focused on his mission: to create music that resonates with people, transcends borders, and tells authentic stories. So, he’s making sure the people in the music industry get to know him.
Conclusion
Lu’s debut EP Gold Linen is a testament to his versatility, passion, and storytelling ability. With its seamless blend of Afrobeats, R&B, and multilingual influences, the project solidifies his status as one of the most exciting emerging voices in the genre. Whether on the field or in the studio, Lu’ is proving that talent knows no boundaries.
As Gold Linen continues to gain momentum, fans can expect more groundbreaking music from this rising star. Stream Gold Linen now on all major platforms and experience the sound of an artist redefining storytelling through music.
With a large platform, already, Lu is receiving a lot of attention, anyway. He’s continuing the narrative of athletes empowering themselves to seriously pursue their music passions. Now, he has a project that’s gaining serious traction.
