Optimist Polo Shirt **WALES BONNER,** Futuro Laurel Track Pants **CASABLANCA**, V-Tribute Gold Watch **VERSACE**, Necklace, Earring & Bracelets **GIVENCHY**, Sunglasses **SALVATORE FERRAGAMO**.

White-hot R&B singer/songwriter and producer, Tone Stith, has paved his own way within the music industry; amassing a legion of fans, hit records and noteworthy credits along the way. Gearing up for his new EP release this Summer, the sensational crooner takes a moment to step outside of music and into the fashion spotlight. For our cover story and men’s style feature, Tone shows us how to rock the season’s ‘soft utility’ menswear trend – wearing a neutral color palette mixed with elevated knits, cargos and more.

Photography by Kelvin Williams

You were born and raised in Marlton, New Jersey. Can you tell me something special or unique about your hometown?

Marlton is a small, quiet suburban town. It allowed me to grow up in an environment where I could really appreciate nature. I was literally living in the woods. I think it gave me a different perspective of peace, and I was able to incorporate that into my art.

I've read you started to hone your singing abilities in the church. Do you have any favorite gospel artists or songs, and does that genre influence your music? How, if so?

My favorite gospel artists would have to be, Fred Hammond, Smokey Norfolk, Mary Mary, the Clark Sisters... etc

What can you share on the new music or projects you're dropping this year?

All I can say is, this next Era WILL be Tone Stith’s breakout era. The music on this project is allowing me to really embrace my musicianship. Also, I’m opening up about love and different situations in my life that made me who I am.

You've collaborated with fellow R&B artist Chris Brown in numerous ways, from co-writing songs "Make Love" and "Liquor to doing background vocals on his Indigo album. What lessons have you learned or gems you've picked up from working with him?

Chris is a beast! I’ve learned so much from him. The biggest thing is, he’s one of the biggest artist EVER and he still works as if he’s trying to get a record deal. His work ethic is unmatched. It taught me that even when you “Make It” you still have to work like you haven’t accomplished anything.

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How would you define "Durag R&B"?

Durag R&B means RAW. I think about capturing that raw emotion and feeling. Early Usher is a great example of Durag RnB. It broke barriers in music but was still true to black music.

As a songwriter, you had platinum records and music on the Hot 100 Billboard charts. As an artist, you've been nominated for an iHeart Music Award for Best New R&B Artist in 2022 and a Soul Train Award for Best New Artist in 2021. Do these accolades mean anything to you, or are they just a part of the job?

It’s a blessing to be able to have my name in the nominations. I pray there’s more of that to come, and winning would be nice, [laughs] but honestly I’m more focused on my purpose, the real reason I started my journey with music. I believe it’s a gift from God and I was put here to use that gift and bring people together through that. That’s my number 1 priority, and as long as I’m on that path, I’m satisfied.

What hobbies or passions do you enjoy outside of music?

I love cars, building cars, racing cars [laughs]. I spend most of my time driving my racing simulator, and checking the market of cars that are appreciating in value. I want to make a collection like art.

You seem to take fashion seriously. Your red carpet looks, your performance looks, I've seen you at NYFW. Who are your favorite fashion designers, and what's the most comfortable thing you love to wear?

I love Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Givenchy, Romeo Hunte and I like to champion other independent and black designers! I’ve been recently loving this baggy look, and the cropped shirts. It’s bringing back that 80’s feel which I’m a fan of.

Many fans and listeners of an artist tend to fall in love with their first LP or EP. Is there any pressure to recreate the same vibes and energy you brought to your first LP, Can We Talk?

There's no pressure. Can We Talk was my first project and that was my younger self and my younger experience. I feel like now that I've grown up and become a man, that's translated into my music. I feel like I've grown as a person as well as an artist and I’m speaking my truth and about real things that have happened in my life. So no, there's no pressure. I'm just entering a new era of Tone Stith and I'm excited for everyone to come on this journey with me!

Photographer: Kelvin Williams @kelvins.scale | Creative Director + Fashion Stylist: Avon Dorsey @mrdoorsee | Team Lead + Fashion Assistant: Jada Adkins @thejclub_ | Digital Tech: Tim Zwicky @timothyzwicky | DP: Desmond Reich @desmondreich | Grooming: Zola Headley @Zoey.badasss | Hair + Loctician: Brittney Lassiter @brittneyjhair | Barber: Inessa Gurina @inesssita | MBK Entertainment + JDH Music: Jason Hobdy @hoodyent | MBK Entertainment: Kevon Cole @kevonleavell | JDH Music: Simone Hobdy @hollywoodsim_ | Location: Go Studios Penthouse, NYC | Kolor Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief & Fashion Director: Nigel Isaiah @nigel_isaiah | Kolor Magazine’s Photography & Art Director: Ammar Thomas @iam.ammarjamal

Tone Stith: A Natural Talent

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