When the name Q Parker comes up, most people immediately think of 112 — the Grammy-winning R&B group whose harmonies defined radio from the mid-’90s through the mid-’00s. With classics like “Only You,” “Cupid,” “It’s Over Now,” “Peaches & Cream,” and “U Already Know,” the quartet left a clear imprint on R&B.
After the group members branched off into solo paths, Parker released The MANual in 2012. Now, 13 years later, he returns with a new project. Released today (Nov. 14), his sophomore solo album Evolution of Romance, Volume One arrives through his Paramount Collective Ventures label via ONErpm. The 34-minute project is melodic, direct, and centered on the theme Parker says continues to inspire him: romance.
“I want this project to be a conversation between men and women about affection, courtship, support, love; all the things that true romance encompasses,” Parker, who refers to himself as the “Romance Dealer,” said ahead of the release.
Along with showcasing his views on romance, the album represents Parker’s development as a solo artist and songwriter. His writing credits outside 112 include contributions to Faith Evans, New Edition, Keyshia Cole, and The Notorious B.I.G. For Evolution of Romance, Parker collaborated with Felly the Voice (Chris Brown, Usher), Blac Elvis (Ciara, Kelly Rowland), and Rico Love (Beyoncé, Usher). The album has produced three singles so far: “Keep on Lovin’,” “BEG” — his first top-10 solo hit on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart — and “Triple F’s (F Me. Feed Me. Be a Fan of Me).” Additional notable tracks include “Put It On,” “Take It Off,” and “World War.”
“I’m staying committed to R&B because I know it’s a place that listeners long for and ask for — and I’m here to deliver,” Parker said. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
Below, Parker reflects on the new album and what it has been like to evolve as a solo act.
Why the long break between your first and second solo albums?
Parker says the gap was about finding his place and identifying what was missing in the current landscape. “I like to review what’s out in the market and find where I can occupy a space that I can own. I identified that romance was missing; that we [R&B singers] haven’t been paying the right kind of attention to the ladies for a while.”
He wanted the new album to feel nostalgic but also modern, built on real stories — both his own and those he gathered through conversations with others. “Romance isn’t quick,” he added. “You have to let it marinate so it can be delivered in a subtle, gentle way.” For that reason, more volumes are already planned. “There will be a volume two and three … and potentially a fourth.”
How did “grown-man R&B” influence the single “Triple F’s”?
Parker says the goal was to create songs in which listeners could see themselves through the lyrics, melodies, and vocal delivery. “Triple F’s” reflects what he describes as men expressing what they need from the women in their lives.
“The first F is literal — passion and intimacy. The second F, feed me, is about the soul. And the final F is for fan — support me; cheer me on.” If all three are present, he says, “the sky is not [even] the limit.”
What’s been the most difficult challenge in going solo?
“Being given the opportunity to just be Q Parker,” he said. While he values his history with 112, he wants space for his solo identity. “Sometimes they’ll say, ‘I want 112 or nothing.’ I don’t think that’s fair. I’m not saying, ‘Forget 112.’ But please allow Q Parker to really show who I am, and what talents I possess.”
How do you feel about AI’s growing presence in music?
Parker acknowledges technology’s value but remains grounded in his abilities. “I believe in the advancement of technology. I also strongly believe that when all else fails, you lean on your talent.” He recognizes both positive and negative uses of AI but says he isn’t worried. “God gifted me with a talent to write and perform music, so I can still put points on the board.”
How heavy is the “Romance Dealer” role now that Volume One is out?
According to Parker, it’s not heavy at all. “It’s who I am,” he said. He credits early influences such as watching soap operas, observing his parents’ relationship, and growing up with older sisters. “Me being the Romance Dealer is just who I am. I’m an R&B song with legs,” he joked.
