Robin Thicke is dusting off his dancing shoes and hitting the dance floor. The R&B crooner is experimenting with “black disco” on his next album. Niles “Cyrano” Hollowell-Dhar, one-half of the now disbanded L.A. production duo The Cataracs (50 Cent, Far East Movement), was recently in the studio with Thicke working on the follow-up to his 2011 album Love After War. “Robin doesn’t want to do anything that sounds too contemporary,” he told Rap-Up.com. “He wants to make a black disco album.” In addition to The Cataracs, Thicke has been honing his new sound with Pharrell and Will.I.Am.
“Everyone has a different interpretation of what [black disco] means,” said Niles, who cut three records with Thicke. “For me, I went back and listened to Marvin Gaye and The Bee Gees and got inspired. I put my own twist on it. It’s sounding great.” The “Duets” star is venturing into new territory, while still remaining true to his soulful roots. “On this CD, he’s willing to go more dance and energy, but he wants to do it in his own way,” Niles added. “Robin brings so much soul. He can take any beat and make it sensual.”