GENRE; Contemporary R&B/ Soul/ US Rap/ Rap/ Hip-Hop
RELEASE DATE; 13 February, 2026
RATING; 3/5
Emerging from Saint Petersburg, United States, JeanBaptiste continues to sharpen his artistic identity with “Tulips,” an original single released on February 13, 2026. The record finds the rising artist leaning confidently into his storytelling instincts, delivering a textured blend of hip-hop, R&B, and neo-soul that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly current. As his third release of the year, “Tulips” signals momentum but more importantly, it signals maturity. JeanBaptiste isn’t simply making songs; he’s crafting narratives that linger.
Reuniting with R&B collaborator Kelsea Martinez, “Tulips” marks the duo’s fourth collaboration under their Tampa Bay collective, Outback Shakehouse. Their creative chemistry is undeniable. What began as a spontaneous idea—sparked by Jean~Baptiste hearing the beat during a late-night drive, evolved into a carefully refined piece shaped by live performances and audience feedback throughout 2025. Martinez reportedly penned her verse in just 20 minutes after hearing the demo at a park gathering, a testament to the intuitive synergy that defines their partnership. That organic connection translates powerfully on record.
“Tulips” draws inspiration from the genre-blending collaborations of artists like Andre 3000, Lauryn Hill, and Alicia Keys, echoing the emotional depth of late ’90s and early 2000s hip-hop and R&B fusions. The track unfolds as a two-sided account of a deteriorating relationship—one partner all in, the other emotionally guarded. Each verse poetically captures the emotional imbalance that can quietly unravel love. A subtle interpolation of There Goes My Baby and an impromptu beatboxing break add distinctive character without disrupting the song’s intimacy.
Recorded in the living room of their engineer’s one-bedroom apartment, carefully timed around the hum of a silenced AC “Tulips” thrives on its rawness. The stripped-down setting enhances the authenticity of its message: love is timeless, complicated, and rarely symmetrical. With its warm ambience and deliberate craftsmanship, “Tulips” stands as a compelling testament to friendship, collaboration, and the enduring power of honest storytelling.
