Singer-songwriter Akili has released “I So Blue,” the hypnotic third single from his highly anticipated upcoming album, Tobago Nights.
The track was born during a profound life crisis while Akili was in Panama. During this difficult time, a series of powerful encounters sparked the song’s creation. First, a deep back-and-forth exchange with his Tía Sharon yielded invaluable life advice. Soon after, an unexpected run-in with an old friend, Griselle, reinforced that exact same wisdom, reminding Akili of his inner strength. As a parting gift, Griselle gave him Willie Dixon’s book, I Am The Blues-the final catalyst that inspired Akili to write the track.
Rejecting easy escapes, “I So Blue” embraces the philosophy that the only way out of pain is straight through it. By fusing Afrobeats, Reggae, and Blues, the song transports listeners to a sonic island where they can confront their troubles and draw strength from ancestral wisdom. Every lyric, beat, and chord leans into this theme to transform emotional pain into personal growth.
Akili recently previewed the track at a private Brooklyn event for the Stonewall CDC. The release marks the third installment of his revamped rollout strategy, dropping one new single every month until the full album debuts in October 2026.
