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Hazlewood’s ‘Poetry in Motion’: The R&B Sophomore That Redefines Soul from Birmingham to Bangkok



Hazlewood performing live – UK R&B artist at HMV Bullring album event


“All I want to do is make sweet, sweet music that we can all resonate to.” – Hazlewood

With the release of Poetry in Motion, Birmingham’s very own Hazlewood steps forward as not just a voice in UK R&B, but one of its most versatile and visionary storytellers. Out now via AEC Music, this ten-track project bridges intimacy, grit, and evolution — a sonic and emotional leap from his acclaimed debut Inconspicuous.


As featured in TJPL News Magazine, Issue 28, and discussed in-depth on the TJPL News Podcast, Hazlewood invites listeners into a new chapter — one that blends homegrown soul with global ambition.


From MySpace to Mainstream

“I’ve been singing since I was 15. I was in a boy band, then went solo. I’ve always known music was the dream — alongside football,” Hazlewood shares on the podcast.

Originally discovered through early demos and support gigs, Hazlewood’s musical CV is packed with graft. From cutting unreleased tracks in hip-hop projects to supporting ex-X Factor contestants at small venues, his route to success was anything but instant. But the breakthrough came in 2022 when Hazlewood signed with AEC Music and had huge success with singles like YOU (No. 16 on UK iTunes R&B) and I Like It (No. 9).


In 2024, debut album Inconspicuous charted at No. 4. But it was Sex You Up that really flipped the switch — reaching No. 3 on the UK iTunes R&B Chart and becoming the foundation of Poetry in Motion.


Bangkok-Born, Birmingham-Built


Recorded in just ten days in Bangkok with executive producer Meena, Poetry in Motion is rich, experimental, and emotionally fearless.


The album shifts through R&B, grime, trap soul and funk. It’s a full-circle moment for an artist who once learned harmony in a boy band but now arranges and performs every single vocal on his tracks.

“Every vocal you hear — harmonies, leads, all of it — it’s me. I learnt that discipline early on and refined it as I grew,” he says in our podcast.

Read our full feature in Issue 28 for a track-by-track review — but here’s a snapshot of what to expect:


  • Worlds Collide – Funk guitars, 80s synths, and JT-esque flair

  • Hypnotise – Soft percussion, 60s soul undertones, poetic structure

  • Affection – Noir synth-pop meets vulnerable lyricism

  • Who You Lookin’ At? – A grime-inspired standout with unfiltered swagger

  • Memories – A nostalgic ode to family, childhood, and his late grandparents

  • Light It Up – Grime-electro energy to close with confidence





From 7PM Support Acts to Sold-Out Shows

“I used to be the guy opening at 7 o’clock when no one knew who I was,” Hazlewood admits. “Now I’m the headline. It’s wild.”

To celebrate the album’s launch, Hazlewood hosted two major events in his hometown — a private premiere at The Actress & Bishop, and a free public show at HMV Bullring, hosted by Quincy. The reception was electric.


Hazlewood’s visibility has surged, with global coverage landing him features in AP News, Benzinga, The British Music Digest, and over 50 other outlets.


A Blueprint for the Independent R&B Artist

Poetry in Motion isn’t just a sonic progression — it’s a strategic triumph. It’s proof that independent artists can carve out major success without industry gimmicks.

And through it all, Hazlewood remains grounded.

“If you’re 17 to 21 and working on your craft, don’t rush it. Treat artist development like an apprenticeship. That time matters.”


Stream, Read, Listen, Follow









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