Masego, the Grammy-nominated singer and multi-instrumentalist, has released his third studio album, "Fix Your Face," on July 17. The 16-track LP marks a significant shift in his career, as the artist, previously known for his "vibes music," delves into deeply personal themes he historically kept private.

Masego, who was born in Jamaica and raised in Newport News, Virginia, explained that his upbringing, influenced by his Jamaican father, a military pastor, emphasized emotional restraint. Phrases like "fix your face" and "tighten up" were common, teaching him to suppress his feelings, a habit he unknowingly carried into his music.

"I feel like I didn’t know at the time, but that was me conditioning myself to mask my emotions," Masego told HuffPost. This new album is a departure from his earlier work, such as "Lady Lady" and "Studying Abroad: Extended Stay," which, while intimate, kept his truest thoughts just out of reach.

"Fix Your Face" was created in the aftermath of personal challenges, including losing his home in the 2025 Southern California wildfires and a family death. The album explores grief, heartbreak, infatuation, lust, and identity with a level of transparency new to Masego's discography. Songs like "Sounds Like..." touch on how an adolescent accident shifted his ambitions from basketball to music, while "Gone" addresses profound heartache. Despite the rewarding outcome, Masego described the process of public vulnerability as "scary."

"But I think it’s rewarding," he continued, "because I got nieces and nephews and people that look up to me. So I’m trying to be an example for how you’re supposed to deal with emotions."

The album's striking artwork was inspired by the artist's desire to evoke a sense of comfort found in times of unspoken emotions, drawing from memories of his grandmother. Fans have already begun sharing their favorite tracks, which Masego uses as a way to understand their personalities.

While Masego is accustomed to a fast-paced album cycle, the emotional labor behind "Fix Your Face" has been particularly demanding. Tracks like the lead single "Breathe," a gospel-infused confession about grieving a heavy loss while managing a successful career, represent his most emotionally charged work. He decided to make "Breathe" the lead single after friends and family found his story relatable, realizing the solace his honesty could provide.

Masego collaborated with co-producer Jordan Elgie on the project, which also features his mother and several other women he respects. The creative process involved shaping the visual identity of the album alongside the music, aiming to give a platform to emotions that had previously been suppressed.

He drew inspiration from artists known for their vulnerability, including Amy Winehouse, Mary J. Blige, D’Angelo, PartyNextDoor, and SZA. The album also features contributions from Leon Thomas, Keyshia Cole, Musiq Soulchild, Lekan, Buju Banton, and Foggieraw, many of whom are personal friends of Masego, emphasizing a collaborative spirit over transactional exchanges.

During the creation of "Fix Your Face," Masego recorded approximately 150 songs, ultimately selecting those that best served the album's narrative. This intensive process reaffirmed his love for cohesive albums. He noted that conversations with trusted individuals challenged him to reveal a side of himself previously unseen, pushing him toward this more vulnerable space to achieve his goals.

Masego also aimed to create songs that resonate with fans on a lyrical level, moving beyond catchy hooks. He envisioned a concert experience where the audience connects with the lyrics as much as the performance. This desire to connect through writing was a long-held aspiration.

The three years since his last major release have been transformative. Masego has focused on a healthier lifestyle and embraced external changes, such as a new low haircut, which he sees as a dramatic commitment to a new season in his life. This outward transformation mirrors his internal work, documented through journaling, which covers themes of identity, grief, relationships, and love.

His journals help him track his personal and professional growth, much like his new album. The closing track, "Charlie Brown," is a meditation on the superficial attention that can accompany success. Masego reflects on the "fake love" and fleeting attention he sometimes receives, acknowledging the transient nature of such admiration.

When asked if he feels like a different person, Masego responded affirmatively. He uses a service that emails him letters he wrote to his future self a year prior, allowing him to see how his perspectives and priorities have evolved. This practice helps him maintain accountability for his habits and growth.

Masego is preparing for a 40-date international tour for "Fix Your Face" starting in August. He is also expanding his creative endeavors, becoming the first Black composer to score an anime theatrical film, "Mfinda," a project that aligns with his passion for anime and filmmaking.

He hopes his openness on "Fix Your Face" will encourage other Black men and R&B artists to express themselves with similar honesty. Masego advocates for a balance between outward coolness and genuine emotional expression, believing that sharing vulnerabilities can lead to a more authentic connection within the music community.