Dedrick Soul, an emerging artist from Oakland, continues to prove that authenticity and vulnerability still have a place at the heart of modern music. With his new single “I’d Be A Fortune” (released July 18, 2025), he delivers a deeply personal exploration of self-worth, love, and the realization of one’s true value in the face of neglect and unreciprocated support. The track stands as both a reflective journey and a quiet anthem for anyone who has ever questioned their worth in the eyes of another.
What makes “I’d Be A Fortune” instantly compelling is its uncluttered arrangement. Unlike much of today’s overproduced music, Dedrick Soul allows the song to breathe. Each note, lyric, and vocal layer feels intentional, leaving room for the raw emotion at its core to take center stage. This restraint gives the track a timeless quality, making it just as suitable for a reflective late-night drive as it is for quiet moments of self-discovery.
Dedrick’s voice carries a warmth and sincerity that cuts through the production with ease. There’s a lived-in truth behind his delivery—a sense that these lyrics weren’t just written, but deeply felt. It’s the type of honesty that resonates universally, which is why listeners are likely to feel a personal connection to the track.
Dedrick cites influences like Khamari, Frank Ocean, Xavier Omar, and Alex Isley, and their presence can be felt in the DNA of the song. There are shades of Frank Ocean’s introspection, the atmospheric minimalism of Xavier Omar, and the soulful tenderness of Alex Isley woven throughout. Yet, “I’d Be A Fortune” is far from imitation. Dedrick molds these influences into his own unique sound—one that feels rooted in soul but filtered through a modern, emotionally-driven lens.
At the heart of “I’d Be A Fortune” is a story many will recognize: the long and painful experience of giving yourself fully to someone who fails to see your value. Dedrick Soul’s own words reveal that the track was born out of years of investing in relationships where love and support weren’t equally returned. Only with distance does the realization emerge—“I’d be a fortune” not just to someone else, but to the world at large.
This message of reclaiming self-worth transforms the track from a personal reflection into something larger, a quiet rallying cry for anyone learning to see themselves as enough.
The recording process mirrors the patience and care Dedrick poured into the song. Split between a North Hollywood studio and a Bay Area studio, the sessions were intentionally spaced out—sometimes by a week or more—to allow the track to evolve naturally. Working closely with his mixing engineer, Dedrick ensured that every section was given the space to settle before moving forward. This unhurried process gave the track its organic flow and emotional depth.
What sets “I’d Be A Fortune” apart is its emotional accessibility. In a music landscape often crowded with maximalist production and disposable hooks, Dedrick Soul dares to keep things simple, honest, and resonant. The result is a song that feels tailor-made for reflection—whether you’re behind the wheel at night or simply sitting with your thoughts.
Even Dedrick’s audio engineer remarked that the track was one they’d want to play while driving, which feels like the perfect way to experience its full impact: in motion, with time to think, as the world blurs by.
Dedrick Soul is positioning himself as a voice to watch. With “I’d Be A Fortune,” he proves not only his skill as a songwriter and producer, but also his ability to capture the fragile balance of vulnerability and strength that makes music timeless. For listeners who crave music with heart, atmosphere, and honesty, this single is a reminder of the value in simplicity and truth.
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