When a project is titled Stupid Sexy Paulo, you know you’re in for something bold. But what Paulo and the Problems have delivered with their July 11, 2025 release is more than just bold—it’s vibrant, fearless, and deeply communal. The album is a testament to artistic freedom, genre-fluid exploration, and the kind of chemistry that can only be born from true creative kinship.
This isn’t just a record—it’s a full-on collaborative celebration from the indie powerhouse Fogwood Records, and it brings together an ensemble of the label’s finest talents. With contributions from Saynave, Mekfly, Dude Low, Allie Crisp, and Elise Chantelle, Stupid Sexy Paulo moves like a mixtape, grooves like a jam session, and hits like a perfectly curated summer soundtrack.
From the first track, it’s clear this album doesn’t believe in sticking to one lane. Indie rock, jazz, R&B, and hip-hop are all thrown into the blender, but the result is anything but chaotic. Instead, Stupid Sexy Paulo flows with an effortless cool, blending genres in ways that feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Tracks like “First of the Month” (ft. Saynave) channel golden-era hip-hop energy with sleek, soulful textures. “Summer Rain” (ft. Mekfly) is all smooth vocals and sunset vibes, dripping with R&B sensuality. Then there’s “Lotus Blanc” (ft. Dude Low)—dreamy, hypnotic, and jazzy, it feels like floating through a rainy city night. Each song offers a different flavor, but they all live in the same universe—a universe Paulo and the Problems have created with style and care.
What really stands out is the sense of community and playfulness that pulses through the entire project. From the quirky, animated music videos (starring the band’s now-iconic dog mascot, Nico) to the rich production and tongue-in-cheek tone of the album title, Stupid Sexy Paulo doesn’t take itself too seriously—but it still takes the music seriously.
You get the sense that this album was fun to make, and that fun becomes infectious. There’s an undeniable warmth in how these artists interact sonically, like close friends bouncing ideas off each other with no ego, just trust.
Even though Paulo and the Problems aren’t hitting the road this summer, the planned release parties promise to carry the same energy—something more intimate and celebratory than a traditional tour, which suits the Fogwood ethos perfectly.
Slated as the album’s focus track, “Cruise Control” captures the spirit of the entire record in one sleek, feel-good package. It’s smooth and funky, with polished instrumentation and clever lyrics. Think cruising with the windows down, sun on your face, not a care in the world—that’s the vibe, and it’s done without a single misstep.
As someone who appreciates genre fusion when it’s done right, I have to say: Stupid Sexy Paulo doesn’t just hit the mark—it raises the bar. It’s hard to pull off an album that jumps across so many styles without losing focus, but Paulo and the Problems manage it with ease. This record is confident without being arrogant, smooth without being slick, and just experimental enough to stay surprising.
Anderson .Paak, Tyler the Creator, Hiatus Kaiyote, or anything that feels like a well-kept secret waiting to be shared.
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