Part of the fun of following Ryan DeRobertis’ sample-happy SAINT PEPSI project is hearing the diversity of sources that he takes in and lets coexist in his wonderfully weird, sonic world. It’s a party with many different guests now — a sunny, happy version of American Football, a lonely gender-reversed Carly Rae Jepsen, a stammering Woody Allen, ghosts of Studio 54, and countless pop songs and elevator tunes forgotten by seemingly everyone, but DeRobertis. On “Burn,” a new song off SP’s upcoming EP, we can welcome R&B star Ray J.

“Melody” is a pretty cheesy track that finds J in love with musical melody and a girl named Melody, but “Burn” warps it into something else entirely. Here soft bass and somber pianos get kicked off balance by snapping drums while J’s pitch-shifted vocals blend with noir-ish movie samples. It’s a sad piece of music, and a nice direction to see SAINT PEPSI moving in. Its greatest strength comes from the reverence with which J’s song is treated, more than most would give the guy from the Kim Kardashian sex tape. DeRobertis clearly heard something in Ray J that was worth exploring, and while that might sound crazy to some, it’s worth pointing out that this guy felt the same thing 6 years ago. You can listen and download below and check out SAINT PEPSI’s CMJ dates.

SAINT PEPSI – “Burn”

10/16 @ CRACK IN THE ROAD/DISCO NAIVETE at PIANOS NYC 10:15-10:45
10/16 @ SCHOOL NIGHT CMJ SHOWCASE at BOWERY HOTEL 11:00-11:30 + 12:00-12:30
10/16 @ SECRET LOFT PARTY at SECRET LOCATION
10/17 @ GORILLA VS. BEAR/ YOURS TRULY at GLASSLANDS GALLERY 8:30
10/18 @ SHOT OFFICIAL CMJ SHOWCASE at FONTANAS 2AM