Netousha just released her debut album: Karmic. The R&B and soul singer-songwriter holds her own on this 9-track project, produced entirely by Mike Cease. Reppin New Jersey, Netousha has spent years perfecting her sound through a series of mixtapes leading up to this moment. I first came across Netousha’s music in the early 2010s with her Zone 7 mixtape, and I’ve been listening ever since. One thing has remained constant: her love and appreciation for both Hip-Hop and R&B, a blend that continues to define her artistry on Karmic.
How are you feeling now that Karmic, your first album, has finally been released?
Netousha: I feel really proud and excited. Proud that I saw Karmic through from idea to completion, overcoming every obstacle that came up on the journey. Listening to it before approving the mixes, I was impressed. I made something that I love, which is meaningful to me because I’m my own biggest critic. Releasing it and sharing my vision with the world is incredibly rewarding.
You’ve been making music for a while. What made this the right time for a full album?
Netousha: It really happened organically. I hadn’t released anything in years, but one day I had the impulse to gather and review the songs I’d written. When I did, I realized I had an album. My producer and I had connected months before so I reached out to him. From there, it just flowed naturally. It felt divinely guided. Everything came together at exactly the right time.
This project is all about love. What kind of love are you singing about here?
Netousha: The main focus is romantic love. Specifically intense, passionate, and often toxic love. It explores the highs and lows, the deep attachment, and the push and pull of these relationships. By the end of the album, it’s about recognizing when love isn’t healthy, having the strength to let go, and prioritizing your own well-being.
Did writing these songs teach you anything new about love or relationships?
Netousha: Writing these songs didn’t necessarily teach me something new about love or relationships. It was a way to process and reflect on my experiences. The songs served as a therapeutic outlet, helping me transmute my emotions into something creative and productive. The real insights came from reflecting on what I lived through.
Were there any moments where you thought, “This is too personal to put out”?
Netousha: Yes! I almost didn’t release the first track, “Debbie Downer.” It felt way too personal. The song touches on one of the darkest points of my life, when I was considering giving up completely. I thought this is too raw to share. But it ended up being a favorite among the people closest to me, and I realized that if I’ve gone through it, someone else has too. If my transparency can help even one person feel seen or less alone, then it’s worth the discomfort of being that vulnerable.
I love how you blend R&B, soul, and Hip-Hop. Were there any beats that made you fall in love with the sound of this project?
Netousha: What really made me fall in love with this project is the fact that Cease, my producer, brought my ideas to life. I came to him with all the songs written and in our first video call, I sang them to him. From there, I sent him voice memos and he built beats around the songs. Having production customized to my vision made this album really special for me. Everything he created went above and beyond what I anticipated, while remaining true to the sound that I wanted. I fell in love with every single beat that he sent me.
How would you describe your sound now?
Netousha: Honestly, I’m still figuring out what my sound is right now. I’m excited to explore whatever wants to be channeled through me because I’ve changed and grown in so many ways since writing Karmic. I’m letting the music define itself as it comes out, rather than trying to fit into a specific sound.
What’s one song that means the most to you personally?
Netousha: The closing song of the album, “Happiness,” means the most to me. It goes beyond romantic relationships and reflects on how I feel about life in general. The song captures what I truly want, inner peace and harmony despite life’s struggles and the chaos that the world brings. I really value the simple things and “Happiness” expresses that truth in just a few minutes.
Now that you’ve released this album into the world, what’s next?
Netousha: Now that I’ve released the album, my focus is on sharing it with as many people as possible. The feedback so far has been amazing and I want it to be heard so that it can connect with whoever needs to hear it. Beyond that, I’m creating more music while growing and developing in every aspect of my life.
Listen to and download Netousha’s debut album Karmic on Apple Music and Spotify.
