GONE AGAIN is the second mixtape from R. Flex. This mixtape features the production of three #LDNONT producers: @duey, @ZacharyGray, & @Nosebleed. The other producers on this mixtape are @MVNTRA, @ParaPalabras, and youtube DJ t.u.remix. Each of these producers offer a different sound that inspire a different narrative in each song. The production and narrative work together to create a feeling of absence or, rather, hauntology. The presence of other artists and past experiences simultaneously inhabit these songs in ways that will structure feelings lived and re-lived. This mixtape is an invitation to interrogate past experiences, present influences, and future happenings in a work destabilized by emotion. This, my friends, is the haunt effect of #GONEAGAIN.

GONE AGAIN

Bad times abound when a lov_r
contemplates their r_lationsh_p
while fe_ling left at bay.

Check out "The Bay"
from my upcoming mixtape 
G_NE AG_IN.
Written by R. Flex. 
Produced by Para Palabras.
Mixed @ Positive Journey Mixing Lounge.

[Verse 1]
Sent a message late last night,
but you're not answering 
any of my questions 
could it be you're handling
another issue; I just wish you
help me figure out
when you're gonna come around? 
Cause I can't help, but think 
the way you left was so urgent
like you heard a calling 
and you had to answer it. 
Somewhere in the distance
someone needs you more than me,
but remember me. Bae, please
remember me? 

[Pre-Hook]
Bae
Please remember me

[Hook]
Remember my face; remember that. 
Remember my name; remember that. 
Remember these lips; remember that. 
Remember this kiss; remember that. 
Remember your head hit the bed
and you said when with me, 
you couldn't go back. 
That's what you said 
That's what you said

My bae, please call me. Hit me back. 
Got what you need. Remember that. 
No make belief; it's a fact. 
You were calling me. Remember that. 
Remember your head hit the bed
and you said when with me
you couldn't go back. 
That's what you said.
That's what you said. 

[Bridge]
I'm reminiscing.
Are you reminiscing? 
Well if you're not...

[Hook]
Remember my face; remember that. 
Remember my name; remember that. 
Remember these lips; remember that. 
Remember this kiss; remember that. 
Remember your head hit the bed
and you said when with me, 
you couldn't go back. 
That's what you said 
That's what you said

My bae, please call me. Hit me back. 
Got what you need. Remember that. 
No make belief; it's a fact. 
You were calling me. Remember that. 
Remember your head hit the bed
and you said when with me
you couldn't go back. 
That's what you said.
That's what you said.

Gone Again

The Bay

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love". I know I'm not alone. The song has been sampled by TuPac, interpolated by Aaliyah, and covered by Jessie Ware. Wanting to continue in the tradition of expanding the classics, I decided to flex out my own rendition of the song that's proven itself useful for multiple aesthetics. 

In this sense, I invite you to be both warmed and haunted by the spirit of Bobby Caldwell one more time. This is the R. Flex rendition of "What You Won't Do For Love".

Written by Bobby Caldwell with Alfons Kettner
Interpolations of Aaliyah's "Age Ain't Nothin' But A Number" and Tatyana Ali's "Boy You Knock Me Out"
Production by DJ t.u. remix
Mixed by Positive Journey

Lyrics:

I guess you wonder where I've been 
I searched to find a love within 
I came back to let you know 
Got a thing for you and I can't let go

My friends wonder what is wrong with me 
Well I´m in a daze from your love, you see 
I came back to let you know 
Got a thing for you and I can´t let go

Some people go around the world for love 
But they may never find what they dream of 

What you won´t do, do for love 
You've tried everything but you don´t give up 
In my world only you make me do 
For love what I would not do

But then I only want the best it´s true 
They can´t believe the things I do for you 

What you won´t do, do for love 
You've tried everything but you don´t give up 
In my world, only you makes me do 
For love what I would not do 
Make me do for love what I would not do

Now see:
I don't mean to be bold,
but I gotta let you know
boy, you knock me out *2

What You Won't Do For Love

Imagine Aaliyah's "Rock the Boat", Jill Scott's "Crown Royal", and Rihanna's "James Joint" melting into each other. You'd arrive at 4:20AM: a chilled out meditation on the bliss of lighting one up. Relax and let 4:20AM burn into a simmering close. #GoneAgain

Written and performed by R. Flex
Produced by @Nosebleed 
Mixed by Positive Journey 

[Lyrics]
Hours drip slowly rowing time 
Feeling out a warm lake; lay in mine
Paddle to the left, row it to the right
and we can stroke.

4:20 AM

Off the mixtape GONE AGAIN 
Release date: January 27, 2017

Written and Performed by R. Flex
Produced by @duey 
Mixed by Positive Journey

Jinx

Off the mixtape GONE AGAIN
Release date: January 27, 2017

Written and performed by R. Flex
Produced by @ZacharyGray
Mixed by Positive Journey

Containment

Off the mixtape GONE AGAIN
Release date: January 27, 2017

Written and performed by R. Flex
Produced by @MVNTRA
Mixed by Positive Journey

A Better Place

Meet cheeky R&B creator, R. Flex. They dare to change the shape of R&B, blending in electronic sounds and pop hooks. Channelling the impish spirit of Janet Jackson, Tinashe, and Kelela, they push the genre’s BPM to exciting places. Their commitment to storytelling through music and fashion explores intimacy, self-discovery, and identity. They challenge traditional narratives of love and self-love, creating safe spaces for queer joy and expression. As a Black non-binary transfemme, authenticity is at the core of their work. 

Their high-energy 2022 EP Flex With Benefits earned praise from Exclaim, Bandcamp, and The Star. Featuring collaborations with Tafari Anthony and Desiire, the EP explored queer desire and empowerment. Tracks like ‘Too Late,’ ‘4U,’ and ‘DNA’ earned global recognition, appearing on queer playlists in Amsterdam, Toronto, and New York. 

In their second EP of 2022, Once Upon A Flex, R. Flex slowed the BPM but heightened the vulnerability, garnering critical acclaim from Earmilk as a trailblazer. As one of the first artists to perform at Club Quarantine, their electrifying performances solidified them as an underground star in the making. They’ve opened for artists like Haiku Hands, Khalifa, and Shad with a flair that continues to make its mark. Distinct and forward-thinking, you have every reason to Check The Flex.