Lalah Hathaway Returns With New Album ‘VANTABLACK,’ National Tour

Five-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway is back with a new album and a national tour that will kick off in August. 

VANTABLACK is the singer-songwriter’s eighth studio album — and first new set since 2017’s Honestly. Featuring guest turns by Common, Rapsody, MC Lyte, Michael McDonald and Willow, among others, the 16-track set has already spun off two tracks: vibrant first single “So in Love” and the latest, “I Am.” The project was released by Hathaway’s own Hathaway Entertainment in association with SRG-ILS Group (Virgin Music Group).

Hathaway uses the phrase “melting pot” in describing the mix of tempos and creative experimentation that frames her new album and its title track. “VANTABLACK … the word itself has so much weight on it,” notes Hathaway in a release announcing the album and tour.

“What I thought were conflicting perspectives actually began to shape the concept of not only this album but also how I saw myself. I started reframing how I saw color — in terms of being the Blackest I’ve ever been. And even though I’m steeped in who I am, it doesn’t exclude the other things that make up the sum of me. Similar to how all the music around me informs the Black music that I create.” 

And of uptempo anthem “I Am,” she noted, “I think people will be delighted to hear me with some tempo. I’m always trying to figure out how to apply these lush tones over dance music. How can i be featured on the subwoofer in your G Wagon? This is a four on the floor, full of positive affirmation … I may have cracked the code!”

The 17-date VANTABLACK tour in support of the album will launch in Fayetteville, Ark., on Aug. 28. It will stop in Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York and Atlanta before wrapping in Charleston, S.C. on Sept. 28. Click here for the full tour itinerary and additional information.