Jalen Ngonda shares “Hang It On The Shelf,” previewing Doctrine of Love as he continues to blend classic 60s–70s soul with modern R&B.
Jalen Ngonda releases his new single “Hang It On The Shelf,” the second preview from his upcoming sophomore album Doctrine of Love. Fans can stream the track now.
The song delivers a warm, uptempo groove with a timeless soul feel. Moreover, it follows the album’s title track and continues to shape the project’s direction. Ngonda aims to channel the spirit of 1960s and 1970s soul music. He avoids imitation and instead builds a modern sound rooted in that tradition. In addition, he blends classic influences with contemporary pop and R&B through his vocal style.
Doctrine of Love expands Ngonda’s sonic range. He draws from late-’60s funk and soul as a foundation. Furthermore, he explores folk rock, doo-wop, and early New Orleans rock ’n’ roll from the 1950s. The album reflects his deep study of soul, blues, gospel, and early rock history.
Ngonda recorded the project with collaborators Vince Chiarito and Michael Buckley. He builds on the success of his debut album Come Around and Love Me. That record earned critical acclaim and introduced his voice to a wider audience. His single “If You Don’t Want My Love” has surpassed 253 million streams.
Additionally, Ngonda has toured extensively, including opening for Thee Sacred Souls, Freddie Gibbs, and Olivia Dean across the US and Europe. He has also headlined sold-out club shows worldwide. Moreover, he has collaborated with Jordan Rakei and Gorillaz, who featured him on their album The Mountain.
About the Artist
Jalen Ngonda builds a bridge between classic Motown soul and modern R&B. He shapes a sound that feels both timeless and immediate. Moreover, he brings emotional clarity and technical precision to his work.
He grew up in Maryland near Washington, D.C. He first discovered soul music at age 11 after hearing The Temptations on the radio. That moment sparked a lifelong commitment to the genre.
Ngonda taught himself guitar, drums, and keyboards. He began his musical journey playing drums in church. In addition, he later studied at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA). After that, he busked across London and developed a reputation as a strong live performer.
He signed with Daptone Records in 2022. The label includes artists such as Thee Sacred Souls and Lee Fields. He released his debut album Come Around and Love Me in 2023. The record introduced his falsetto and songwriting to a wider audience.
Since then, his career has accelerated. His single “If You Don’t Want My Love” has surpassed 253 million streams. Moreover, his music has reached A-list rotation on BBC Radio 2, BBC 6 Music, and Jazz FM.
Ngonda has expanded his live presence across major stages. He has played intimate venues and large theaters, including the Hammersmith Apollo. In addition, he has toured with Thee Sacred Souls, Freddie Gibbs, and Olivia Dean.
Now, he advances his vision with his sophomore album Doctrine of Love. He draws from soul, gospel, folk, and early rock. Moreover, he reshapes those influences into a modern form. Ngonda describes love as a guiding principle that shapes his music and outlook.
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