Download Candice’s ‘Live From the Smokers Room’ EP

Jhene Aiko's faint, sorrowing music may be the face of West Coast R&B right now, but Candice's 'Live From the Smokers Room' is a perfect alternative if you're looking for sex appeal with a little more strength.

The rising L.A. songstress has just released her new free EP, 'Live From the Smokers Room,' and it leaves a lasting first impression. The project lives up to its title with plenty of cinematic, smooth-as-sativa beats while Candice's vocals burst through the fog with grace.

Naturally, romance and heartbreak are a recurring theme in songs featured on 'The Smokers Room.' But Candice doesn't dwell in her emotions for long, seamlessly switching it up with confident, club-catered cuts like 'Never Turn Down' and 'Loaded,' which features up-and-coming Oakland rapper Clyde Carson.

Despite not being listed as a guest, Ne-Yo quietly contributes to the project, lending backing vocals to 'Smoker's Room' and 'Greatest Song I Ever Felt.' In fact, Candice is rumored to be the latest addition to the crooner's imprint, Compound Entertainment.

Whether the deal is made official or not, it's a sign that bigger and better things are on the horizon for this soaring songbird.

Download the singer's 'Live From the Smokers Room' here.