Imani Imani “Papercut” Debut Project: pgLang’s New Voice – Stream Now
Imani Imani “Papercut” Debut Project: pgLang’s New Voice – Stream Now
pgLang welcomes a new voice to the roster: Imani Imani. Her debut project with the label, Papercut, is officially out now — released as a surprise drop on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
The announcement arrived alongside the surprise release of Imani’s 11-track project, giving listeners an immediate opportunity to familiarize themselves with the singer’s artistry. According to reports, Imani has actually been signed to pgLang since 2024, making this release the culmination of a relationship that has been developing behind the scenes for some time.
Who Is Imani Imani?
Born Imani Ram, she is the first singer to officially join the pgLang roster — a label that had built its identity around rap and hip-hop before making a deliberate turn toward R&B. She had been building quietly under the name Imani Selina for years before today’s reveal, amassing a small but dedicated following through YouTube snippets and loosies that hinted at something bigger coming.
Her close collaborator Daan Zinkhaan, who produced and cowrote every song on Papercut, also appears to be Dutch, as is Nicolas Kanza, a credited writer on a few tracks. Presumably Ram is Dutch too.
The Kendrick Lamar & Chanel Connection
Imani Selina first caught the world’s attention on “I Feel Something“ alongside Kendrick Lamar, a track that debuted during the Chanel Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Couture Show in Paris.
The visual project was directed by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free. The song was produced by Bēkon and written by Kendrick Lamar, Imani Selina, and a wider team of collaborators.
Imani’s involvement extended beyond that performance. Her song “Snatch” was also featured during the fashion show presentation, providing another early glimpse into the artistic direction that would eventually lead her to pgLang.
Papercut: The Debut Album
Papercut is Imani Imani’s debut project with pgLang, released under the label through Interscope Records. The 11-track debut runs just over 33 minutes.
Complete Tracklist
- Bet On Me
- Come Together
- Snatch
- On Demand
- You’re Mine
- Mindgames
- Slideee
- Chasing
- 1 of 1
- Let Go (wishes)
- My Mistakes
Papercut: https://open.spotify.com/album/5q3xwmFq7Hgfyq6UUCgwpf
Musical Style
Musically, Papercut moves between contemporary R&B, electronic, and alternative pop. The project is described as “artful, approachable, and extremely well crafted”. It moves between slow, intimate records and uptempo pop moments, anchored by her soft vocal delivery and lyrics that orbit desire, independence, and emotional complexity.
My first couple spins through Papercut have been great, noted one critic. “She’s working in a radio-friendly R&B milieu but weaving in ample pop and electronic elements from track to track.”
Credits & Collaborators
The album features an impressive team of collaborators:
- Daan Zinkhaan – Producer and co-writer on every song
- James Fauntleroy – Grammy-winning songwriter (Bruno Mars, Justin Timberlake, Frank Ocean)
- Sam Dew – Acclaimed songwriter (Rihanna, Beyoncé, Taylor Swift)
- Keanna Williams & Neal Farmer – Directors of “Mindgames” music video
- Nicolas Kanza – Credited writer on a few tracks
“Mindgames” Music Video
Alongside the release of Papercut, Imani also unveiled the official music video for “Mindgames,” directed by Keanna Williams and Neal Farmer. The visual adds another layer to the project’s rollout and aligns with pgLang’s reputation for prioritizing strong visual storytelling.
pgLang’s Strategic Expansion
pgLang is starting to build up an impressive roster of artists. In fact, they are getting into the R&B world with the signing of Imani Imani. The company has positioned itself differently from a traditional record label, focusing on storytelling, culture, design, music, and visual media.
Adding an R&B artist like Imani broadens the company’s musical scope while reinforcing its commitment to discovering and nurturing emerging talent.
Industry & Fan Reactions
Dave Free, pgLang co-founder, commented on Imani’s Instagram post announcing Papercut:
“a powerful wave of admiration, and deep validation for a major accomplishment, steady progress, or perseverance through hardship. Congratulations @imanimani :-)”
— Dave Free
Key Takeaways
- pgLang welcomes Imani Imani as its first R&B artist
- Papercut – 11-track debut album, surprise released June 2, 2026
- First gained attention on “I Feel Something” with Kendrick Lamar at Chanel SS24 Haute Couture Show (Paris)
- Visual project directed by Kendrick Lamar & Dave Free
- Produced by Bēkon
- Written by Kendrick Lamar, Imani Selina & collaborators
- Label: pgLang through Interscope Records
- Features songwriting credits from James Fauntleroy & Sam Dew
- “Mindgames” music video directed by Keanna Williams & Neal Farmer
- Real name: Imani Ram (formerly performed as Imani Selina)
- Signed to pgLang since: 2024
- Producer: Daan Zinkhaan (Dutch)
pgLang welcomes Imani Imani. Her debut album “Papercut” is out now — 11 tracks of R&B, electronic, and alternative pop. Stream the beginning of a new chapter.
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