Part of a freaky funk continuum that extends from Prince through Moodymann, Sa-Ra, and FunkinEven, Seven Davis, Jr. is a producer and vocalist who flits between rugged house and left-of-center R&B. Born in Texas and raised in California, he trained as a gospel vocalist but opted to work on producing music for several years prior to reaching the public. In 2012, he made his debut on Kutmah's Worldwide Family, Vol. 2 compilation with the bristly vocal house track "Thanks." The following year, he issued a pair of loose, slinky EPs: One (Must Have) and The Lost Tapes, Vol. 1 (IZWID). A handful of 12" releases came in 2014, including the harder-hitting "Friends" single (on Classic, the label founded by Derrick Carter and Luke Solomon) and the funkier P.A.R.T.Y. EP (on FunkinEven's Apron Records). That year, he also signed to the Ninja Tune label and released Universes, his proper debut album, the following year. Kutmah, Julio Bashmore, and Flako made guest appearances. The Dancing on the Sun EP appeared on Ninja Tune in 2016; following the EP's release, Davis left Ninja Tune in order to release music under his own imprint, Secret Angels. Also that year, Davis curated Future Society, a compilation of up-and-coming artists, which was issued by R2 Records. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi