Nick Hakim’s ‘I Can See’ Is a Hazy Alt-R&B Masterpiece: Album Review

The term "Stoner R&B" has transformed from a simple genre tag into a badge of honor for a new wave of musicians. This fluid category, which includes artists like Dijon, Frank Ocean, Brent Faiyaz, and Jhené Aiko, deliberately sidesteps the polished rhythms and energetic delivery of classic R&B. Instead, it wraps listeners in a dreamy, slow-moving fog characterized by relaxed grooves, deep bass lines, psychedelic touches, and vocals that take their time. The music seems to exist in a suspended state, where every element resists urgency, as though time itself has stretched out. Frank Ocean’s 2016 visual album “Endless” is often cited as a key influence, blending ambient soundscapes with heartfelt melodies to create a blueprint that countless artists have since adopted. Notably, Ocean’s work also sparked broader conversations about how R&B could incorporate experimental production, a trend that continues to shape the genre today.

Nick Hakim first emerged in 2014 with his “Where Will We Go” EPs, quickly establishing himself as an innovative voice in this space. Over the course of his subsequent albums, his sound became increasingly unorthodox, with traditional song structures all but disappearing by the time of his 2022 release “Cometa.” His fourth album, “I Can See,” marks a significant shift—it stands as his most focused and cohesive effort yet. While it retains the slow tempos and hazy textures of his earlier work, it is anchored by meticulously crafted songs. Layers of his warm, emotive vocals and shimmering keyboards create a lush, immersive atmosphere. The track “Real Here Now” stands out as one of the year’s finest R&B moments, evoking a version of an Usher song from an alternate reality. However, Hakim’s music consistently defies easy categorization. The following track, “U Can Make It,” is a complex piece built around a thumping electronic bass drum, echo-heavy piano, and a swirl of vocal harmonies. This move toward structure may align with a broader trend in alternative R&B, where artists like Steve Lacy have also moved back to more grounded songwriting after periods of experimentation. Industry commentator Mark Rivera of *Rhythm & Noise* has noted, “Hakim’s evolution shows that even the most abstract artists can find power in discipline without losing their edge.”

The album’s hazy production is as crucial as the songs themselves. Vocals and instruments drift in and out of the mix, suggesting sounds heard from a passing car or muffled through a neighbor’s wall. There’s a constant sense of uncertainty about what you’re hearing—and that ambiguity is a key part of the appeal. The production seamlessly merges electronic and organic elements, pairing traditional snare and rimshot sounds with heavy digital bass. Piano is so heavily processed it resembles a warped calliope, while backing vocals float in and out like a ghostly choir. After the more conventionally structured songs of the first half, the final tracks pick up where “Cometa” left off, growing murkier and layering effects reminiscent of dub reggae. Music critic Sarah Jenkins of *The Sound Observer* has observed, “Hakim isn’t just making alternative R&B anymore—he’s crafting a sound from another world entirely.” Indeed, “I Can See” pushes beyond genre boundaries, offering an experience that feels like R&B from a different planet—one where haze and clarity exist in perfect equilibrium. This otherworldly quality may explain why the album has connected with audiences seeking refuge in an increasingly chaotic musical environment. As digital streaming platforms continue to fragment listening habits, Hakim’s ability to create a cohesive, immersive world offers a rare sense of continuity.