SHUAA on Love, Loss, and the Evolving Heart of R&B

For Pittsburgh-born R&B/Soul artist SHUAA (pronounced Schwa), music isn’t just about melodies—it’s about translating raw emotion into timeless art. With smooth vocals, gospel roots, and a gift for introspective storytelling, SHUAA is carving a lane for himself in modern R&B, one soulful ballad at a time.

Ahead of his upcoming EP Healing Lover Boy, dropping this July, we sat down with him to talk about love, vulnerability, and what today’s R&B says about the state of our hearts.

“There’s not just an expectation—it’s a demand”

When asked whether R&B artists are expected to sing about love even when they’re not feeling it, SHUAA doesn’t hesitate.

“There’s not just an expectation but a demand for R&B artists to sing about love. It’s a core theme of the genre,” he explains. “Even when we’re not feeling it personally, we draw on past experiences or the stories around us. Love is universal. Whether it’s love of God, romantic love, self-love, or even love for life itself—it’s always part of our music.”

That universality is what makes his songs resonate so deeply. His 2024 single LTR to an Ex, with its haunting vamp line “There’s no need for sorry, girl just know you got me”, is a perfect example—turning pain into acceptance, heartbreak into healing.

Social media love vs. R&B love

Modern love stories are increasingly shaped by curated Instagram posts and viral TikToks, and SHUAA acknowledges the tension this creates.

“Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it distorts our perception of love with curated images and unrealistic expectations. On the other, it’s a powerful tool for connection and sharing genuine experiences,” he says. “Ultimately, it reflects a blend of idealism and reality—much like modern R&B itself.”

Is classic R&B making a comeback?

Gone are the days when R&B singers weren’t afraid to beg, plead, and lay their emotions bare. Or are they? SHUAA believes we’re on the cusp of a renaissance.

“The shift happened when the business side of music prioritized hits over storytelling. It became more formulaic, focusing on what sells rather than the depth of emotion,” he reflects. “But I believe that yearning, vulnerable side of R&B is making a comeback. It’s becoming okay again to express longing and heartbreak, to say, ‘I miss you,’ or ‘I love you.’ That emotional honesty is returning to the forefront—and it’s an exciting time for our genre.”

Pain as a catalyst for healing

For SHUAA, heartbreak isn’t the end of the story—it’s where healing begins.

“You can be heartbroken and still create healing music. It’s about channeling those emotions and turning pain into something beautiful,” he shares. “LTR to an Ex was me reaching a place where I could accept and find peace after heartbreak. Now, after going through it all, I’m in a place of peace and healing, able to embrace the process and be okay with it.”

Where are our hearts now?

If R&B reflects the heart, what does today’s music say about us?

“The current state of R&B shows that our hearts are complex and evolving,” SHUAA observes. “There’s a collective yearning for deeper connections and emotional honesty. But there’s also self-assurance and resilience—reflecting how we navigate love in an era of independence and self-discovery. R&B today is a mirror of hope, heartache, and the search for genuine connection.”

What’s next for SHUAA?

With his upcoming Afro-R&B infused EP Healing Lover Boy, SHUAA is poised to deliver more of the heartfelt, genre-blending sound that has become his signature.

“This project is about growth. It’s about healing from love lost and embracing love in all its forms—romantic, spiritual, and self-love. I want listeners to feel, reflect, and connect.”

As SHUAA continues to turn life’s highs and lows into melodies, one thing is clear: the heart of R&B is still beating—and artists like him are keeping it alive.

About SHUAA

SHUAA is an R&B/Soul artist from Pittsburgh, PA, whose music blends raw emotion with smooth vocals and introspective storytelling. Rooted in gospel and inspired by legends like Tank, Stevie Wonder, Brandy, and Bryson Tiller, SHUAA draws from his family’s rich musical heritage to create a sound that’s both timeless and fresh.

His recent single LTR to an Ex showcases his ability to turn personal experiences into universal narratives. With his forthcoming EP Healing Lover Boy, SHUAA invites listeners to heal, reflect, and fall in love with R&B all over again.