GENA—the collaborative duo formed by Liv.e and Karriem Riggins—has officially unveiled their debut album, The Pleasure Is Yours, arriving February 27 via Lex Records. The project marks the full realization of a creative chemistry that first sparked earlier this year during a series of unannounced performances under the GENA alias at Nublu in New York and the Detroit Jazz Festival. The duo confirmed their partnership last month with their debut single “Circlesz,” which drew early acclaim from Stereogum, Pitchfork, Pigeons & Planes, and Billboard, who declared, “we most certainly aren’t worthy of such a jam.”
Alongside today’s announcement, GENA have shared a new single, “HOWWEFLOW,” accompanied by a music video directed by Mackai Sharp. The track stands as one of the album’s most understated moments—a hypnotic, loop-driven piece that channels the project’s hip-hop DNA. Its echoing chorus and airy pacing spotlight the effortless, intuitive interplay between Liv.e and Karriem, capturing a spontaneous spark that anchors the album’s collaborative identity.
The duo will bring GENA to the stage on January 31 for a special performance at ICA in London, following early shows in New York and Detroit. Karriem Riggins also recently joined Liv.e onstage during her New York stop on Earl’s 3LW Tour, hinting at the live chemistry fueling this new chapter.
Described as a living document of two kindred artists meeting in motion, The Pleasure Is Yours is the result of an improvisational, kinetic creative process. Built across virtual sessions with contributions from musicians Isaiah Sharkey, James Francies, and Telemakus, the album blends lush soul, hip-hop, R&B, and experimental sensibilities. Its sound floats between analog warmth and modern exploration, echoing the organic way the project took shape.
Watch “HOWWEFLOW,” explore the details of The Pleasure Is Yours, and stay tuned for more from Liv.e, Karriem Riggins, and their boundary-pushing collaboration as GENA.
Liv.e: Instagram | YouTube
Karriem Riggins: Instagram | X (Twitter) | YouTube