Brent Faiyaz to release “Icon” album on September 19
Brent Faiyaz announces “Icon” album
Brent Faiyaz is back.
The alternative R&B standout has officially announced his next studio album, Icon, set for release on September 19, 2025. This will be his first full-length project since 2022’s deeply praised Wasteland. The rollout kicks off with his new single, “Peter Pan,” dropping on July 4 — marking his first official solo single in nearly two years.
For fans of introspective R&B, layered production, and genre-pushing melodies, this is the moment they’ve been waiting for.
Brent’s Artistic Evolution Since Wasteland
To understand why Icon is so anticipated, it’s worth revisiting what came before it.
Brent’s 2022 album Wasteland was more than just an R&B release — it was an immersive experience. Blending raw vulnerability with cinematic interludes, Wasteland debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually earned platinum certification. Its themes of moral conflict, love, fame, and mental chaos resonated with both longtime fans and new listeners.
The project featured heavyweight collaborators like Drake, Tyler, The Creator, The Neptunes, and Alicia Keys, but it was Brent’s unique voice and storytelling that tied the album together. With Wasteland, he made it clear: he wasn’t just following the R&B wave—he was helping shape it.
ISO Supremacy: Brent Takes Control
In May 2023, Brent took a major step in his career by launching ISO Supremacy, his own label and creative agency. Partnering with UnitedMasters in a deal rumored to be worth $50 million, he committed to full creative independence—controlling his music, image, and direction.
ISO Supremacy became the vehicle for his surprise mixtape Larger Than Life, which dropped in October 2023. Featuring A$AP Rocky, Missy Elliott, Coco Jones, and Babyface Ray, the 14-track project landed at #11 on the Billboard 200. Despite being labeled a mixtape, it delivered quality and cohesion, offering a looser, more spontaneous sound than his studio work.
More importantly, it proved Brent could go it alone—and still thrive.
“Peter Pan” — A New Sound for a New Era?
The lead single from Icon, “Peter Pan,” arrives on July 4. Though details are scarce, the title suggests themes Brent has explored before: youth, escapism, and avoiding reality. Expect haunting vocals layered over smooth, experimental production.
This will be Brent’s first solo single since “WY@”, released on September 19, 2023. That song dealt with temptation and duality—a signature of Brent’s lyrics—and became a fan favorite for its minimalist beat and emotionally distant delivery.
“Peter Pan” may mark a sonic shift, or it could return to the intimacy that defined Wasteland and Larger Than Life. Either way, Brent rarely misses when it comes to setting the tone for his albums.
A Quick Look at Brent’s Past Projects
If you’re just getting into Brent’s music, here’s a breakdown of his most essential works:
- Sonder Son (2017) – Soulful and sparse, it introduced Brent’s talent for vulnerability.
- Lost (2018) – A darker, more mature project with atmospheric beats.
- F*ck the World (2020) – Breakout EP featuring fan favorites like “Clouded” and “Been Away.”
- Wasteland (2022) – A full-length album with cinematic scale and raw honesty.
- Larger Than Life (2023) – An indie mixtape, shorter and more playful in structure.
Together, these projects chart Brent’s evolution from SoundCloud-era sensation to one of R&B’s leading voices.
What Can We Expect from Icon?
While no tracklist or guest features have been confirmed, several likely directions are emerging:
1. Tighter Narratives
Brent has always balanced poetic ambiguity with emotional precision. Icon may lean toward shorter, more focused tracks that cut deep—similar to Larger Than Life’s digestible length.
2. Surprise Collaborations
Past collabs include industry legends (Missy Elliott, Drake) and rising stars (Coco Jones, Babyface Ray). Expect the unexpected.
3. Lo-Fi Meets Luxe
Brent walks the line between stripped-back, lo-fi beats and lush, full-bodied production. Icon could perfect that duality.
4. Visual Rollout
Brent’s visuals often match his sound. With Larger Than Life, he dropped an animated trailer. Look for immersive, high-style visuals to accompany Icon’s themes.
5. Emotional Core
Whether crooning about heartbreak or self-destruction, Brent’s lyrics often reflect emotional fragility. Expect that introspective edge to remain intact.
Why Larger Than Life Still Matters
Though billed as a mixtape, Larger Than Life wasn’t filler—it was freedom. Released with little warning, it played like a palate cleanser after Wasteland’s heavy themes.
The sound leaned into 2000s nostalgia, retro-funk elements, and more rap-leaning cadences. Songs like “Last One Left” and “Tim’s Intro” felt fresh yet familiar. While some critics called the project uneven, fans embraced its breezy, unfiltered energy.
If Wasteland was Brent’s film, Larger Than Life was his jam session.
Tracks to Queue Before Icon
Before Icon arrives, revisit these tracks to reconnect with Brent’s essence:
- “Gravity” (feat. Tyler, The Creator) – Dreamy and lyrically rich.
- “WY@” – Classic Brent moodiness.
- “Wasting Time” (feat. Drake) – Modern slow jam with luxury vibes.
- “Price of Fame” – Commentary on industry disillusionment.
- “Moment of Your Life” (feat. Coco Jones) – Romantic, warm duet.
These songs showcase his range—from seductive slow burns to existential musings.
Why the Release Timing Matters
The choice to drop “Peter Pan” on July 4 isn’t accidental. Summer is peak streaming season, and Brent thrives in playlists full of late-night vibes and road trip mood music.
And with the Icon album landing September 19, Brent sticks to tradition. That date marks the exact three-year anniversary of Wasteland‘s release — a subtle nod to his growth and evolution.
Brent Faiyaz: The Indie Blueprint for R&B
In an era when many artists still rely on major-label machinery, Brent’s blueprint stands out. By partnering with UnitedMasters and creating ISO Supremacy, he’s become a symbol of what’s possible with the right audience, work ethic, and sound.
He’s shown that R&B can be commercially successful and personally liberating. His refusal to compromise has inspired a wave of younger artists exploring similar paths.
Brent’s staying power lies in his mystery, minimalism, and masterful control of mood.
Why Icon Is Worth the Wait
Brent Faiyaz isn’t just dropping a new album — he’s entering a new era. With Icon, fans can expect elevated soundscapes, a refined vision, and the continuation of one of R&B’s most unpredictable, intriguing journeys.
Whether you’re a longtime listener or new to his catalog, now’s the time to dive deep.
Set your reminders:
Peter Pan – July 4
Icon – September 19
Brent is back. And he’s not holding back.