Al Wordlaw, R&B Producer, Songwriter, Recording Artist, and the creator of The Al Ur Pal Project, is reviving a sound that many thought had faded into nostalgia. But for Wordlaw, it has always remained present. With roots grounded in Chicago’s soul and blues heritage, he’s bringing that authenticity back to the heart of modern R&B, and listeners are beginning to notice. His music celebrates emotional depth and storytelling, suggesting that true artistry continues to have a place in today’s soundscape.
Real R&B Is Seeing a Comeback
You can sense it from the first note of his latest single, “Still Want To Go On,” featuring the expressive vocals of Huly Ray Asidor. The track captures much of what made 90s R&B unforgettable: warm harmonies, genuine emotion, and smooth instrumentation. It continues the legacy of a time when songs told stories about love, resilience, and human connection. Through timeless grooves and heartfelt lyrics, the single reminds listeners why R&B once dominated the radio and why it could potentially do so again.
This vision guides The Al Ur Pal Project: a mission to revive the emotional honesty and musical depth that once defined the genre. For Wordlaw, R&B should feel personal and lived-in. It should move people, not just entertain them. “Still Want To Go On” reflects that belief, blending nostalgia with a sound that feels both classic and current.
Photo Courtesy: Huly Ray Asidor
Chicago Roots With a Motown Touch
Born and raised in Chicago, Wordlaw carries with him the influence of a city built on soul and blues. Chicago has always been a place where music comes from the heart, and that tradition remains evident through his work. He channels that local spirit of integrity and storytelling into every lyric and production choice.
To enrich that sound, Wordlaw collaborated with Motown legend Michael B. Sutton. Together, they co-produced the single and are now completing a 10-track album. The partnership brings together Chicago’s authenticity and Motown’s polished craftsmanship, creating a sound that feels both timeless and relevant. Released on The Sound of L.A. label, the project balances rich live instrumentation with thoughtful production, staying true to R&B’s roots while appealing to modern audiences.
From the Studio to the Airwaves
The Al Ur Pal Project’s success has already been demonstrated. “Still Want To Go On” has received over 1,572 radio spins worldwide, with airplay across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Stations such as KPIU Radio in California, 105.7 RNB in Atlanta, 100.3 R&B in Raleigh, and Easy R&B in London have all supported the track.
The single has earned impressive chart positions, reaching #18 on the DRT Global Top 150, #21 on the DRT R&B Chart, #1 on the MusicBoxExpress Independent Chart, and #1 on the VideoExpress Video Chart. The project has also been recognized in Pump It Up Magazine’s 90s R&B Revival Issue and JAMSPHERE Magazine.
Staying True to the Sound
Wordlaw has faced real challenges in an industry often ruled by trends and algorithms. Maintaining musical purity hasn’t always been easy, but his foundation in Chicago’s soulful values has helped him remain steady. He believes that when you make people feel something genuine, you’ve already succeeded. His guiding principle, “Don’t chase what’s popular, create what’s powerful,” captures that perfectly. It’s not about following the crowd but about creating music that has the potential to last.
Collaborating with Huly Ray Asidor reignited that passion. Asidor’s voice brings the same emotional resonance that made the ’90s era so memorable. Together, they have shown that R&B rooted in feeling still has power in a digital world.
Photo Courtesy: Huly Ray Asidor
Looking Ahead
With a new 10-track album on the way, The Al Ur Pal Project continues to grow. The record is expected to expand on the single’s success by merging live instrumentation, emotional songwriting, and polished production.
For listeners longing for the era when soul ruled the airwaves, Al Wordlaw is demonstrating that those values haven’t disappeared; they simply needed a new voice. Through The Al Ur Pal Project, he’s keeping Chicago’s legacy alive and leading a new generation toward music that feels real again.
