At I Love Us, we’ve been bringing you stories about phenomenal Black artists who are up for GRAMMYs ahead of this weekend’s 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Among the nominees is none other than Durand Bernarr, who has been shaking up the music world with his one-of-a-kind sound and vibrant personality. While we’re still rooting for him to take home that golden gramophone, today we’re celebrating the release of his brand-new single, Impact, which dropped this morning along with a stunning visualizer.

If you’re only vaguely familiar with Durand Bernarr, allow us to refresh your memory—though we know you’ve heard us singing his praises. Durand, self-described as “your favorite cousin on your daddy’s side,” is a genre-bending vocalist, songwriter, and producer who has built a career fusing bold creativity, powerhouse vocals, and a good dose of funk. Whether through his viral NPR Tiny Desk performance (and its nod to The Proud Family) or his Grammy-nominated visual EP En Route, Durand has proven time and time again that his artistry is anything but ordinary.

His new single, Impact, is an example of his signature innovation. Written by Durand along with GAWD, b.kae, and Sierra Hill, and produced by Stanley Randolph, Poe Leos, and nfinity94, the track blends electronic funk with soulful introspection. It’s a song about navigating the inevitable bumps and collisions of shared spaces and the importance of intention in those moments. Durand describes a world where correction is given with care, making Impact a song as healing as it is funky.

The accompanying visualizer—available now on YouTube—is a breathtaking extension of the track. It pulls viewers into a lush, imaginative world where the themes of the song come to life, blending bold colors and fashion in a way that feels both vibrant and grounding.

This weekend, Durand could win his first Grammy for En Route in the Best Progressive R&B Album category, a well-deserved nod to the boldness of his work. But as he reminds us with Impact, it’s not just about the awards. It’s about the music, the intention, and the spaces he continues to create for himself and his listeners.

Take a moment to listen to Impact and join us in cheering on Durand Bernarr—not just for the GRAMMYs, but for being a shining light in the world of Black music and art.

Cover photo: Durand Bernarr Drops Funk-Fueled Anthem ‘Impact’ with Stunning Visuals / Credit: Orin Fleurimont