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HelloBeautiful.com’s “Base Level” column features the hottest new artists we’re buzzing about. Before they make it to the summit of superstardom, we spot them at base level–the beginning of their hopeful journey to the top.

Does your favorite new R&B crooner have a cosign from one of R&B’s most relevant living legends? Well, Adrian Marcel does! This newcomer is fully emerging from beneath Raphael Saadiq’s wings and displaying his brand of 80’s and 90’s inspired tunes.

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With his lead single, “Waiting,” we’re thrust into the vulnerable and raw emotions of a young man trying to get over a heartbreak from a woman who walked out on him. We can all relate, right? That’s just the kind of music you can expect from Adrian. For more, do yourself a favor and check out his mixtape, produced by Raphael Saadiq, “7 Days Of Weak.”

Check Out Adrian Marcel’s Video For “I’m Still” Below:

Name: Adrian Marcel

Age: 22

Hometown: Oakland, California

Who are you listening to?

Myself, Jane Handcock, Smashing Hearts, Netta Brielle, some of everything–Wale, J.Cole , IamSU, Miguel,Raphael Saadiq-Instant Vintage, Drake, 2 Chainz, Marvin Gaye, Justin Timberlake and Yeezy.

Who are your musical inspirations?

Jackie Wilson, Marvin Gaye, Raphael Saadiq, Sly Stone, Tank, Too Short, anything Motown and any good music coming out of the Bay Area.

Biggest break thus far?

My biggest break so far would be hooking up with my team EL Seven Yance & Frame. They saw my vision and had an even bigger one. Ever since we put the plan together, we have been executing it just how we said we would in the beginning.

Biggest fear as a new artist?

Performing on a basketball court. Don’t ask me why–I just did it a few days ago with the NBA and Sprite in San Francisco. I had a lot of fun, but just the thought of it freaked me out and still does! [laughs]

Was being an artist always your passion?

I love music, it’s an amazing feeling when someone can sing and touch your soul. I yearn to give people that same feeling, I want to touch hearts.

If you were the love child of two musicians–dead or alive–who would they be?

Good question…my dad would be Maxwell or Marvin Gaye. My mom would be Aretha Franklin.

Download Adrian Marcel’s Mixtape, “7 Days Of Weak”

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