Novel has collaborated with artists such as Lauryn Hill and Talib Kweli, and worked with other musicians including Royce Da 5'9', Joss Stone, David Guetta, India.Arie, Tweet, Stacie Orrico and Smokey Robinson, among others.
Stevenson, also the grandson of soul music pioneer Solomon Burke, grew up with his mother in Atlanta, Philadelphia, and North Carolina, sometimes staying in shelters because they had no money.
[3][4] Vibe called the song's melody “infectious“ and Novel's vocals “seductive“, but Novel almost didn't release the single because he “felt it was bubble gum“.
[1][2] Novel spent the next several years writing and producing for other artists, including Alicia Keys, Beyoncé Knowles, India.Arie, Joss Stone, Kelis, and Leona Lewis.
[1][2] Spin wrote that Novel's “innate talents ooze“ on the album and that it contains a “series of slinky funk jams“, but it also “sounds a little too well-oiled at times“.