“Oh yeah?” could be another slow-burning album for Steve Lacy.

Steve Lacy’s latest project, Oh yeah? officially debuts at No. 14 on this week’s Billboard 200 with roughly 33,000 album-equivalent units sold.

On paper, that may not seem like a blockbuster opening, but Steve Lacy has never been an artist whose success is measured solely by release week. Gemini Rights proved exactly that, opening with similar numbers before becoming a Platinum-certified, Grammy-winning success that only became bigger as time passed.

That pattern could easily repeat itself with Oh yeah?. The album delivers everything fans have come to expect from Lacy, including warm production and emotionally honest songwriting. Tracks like “is it cool?” featuring SZA have emerged as immediate highlights, while “the feeling” and “doom” continue finding audiences. Contributions from Erykah Badu, Cecile Believe, and Tyler, The Creator make an already impressive project even stronger.

For artists like Steve Lacy, longevity often outweighs opening-week excitement. I have an inkling Oh yeah? will find its groove and age like fine wine. If it doesn’t, he always has his health.

Quincy

Quincy is the creator of Ratings Game Music. He loves writing about music, taking long walks on beaches, and spaghetti that fights him back.