The elusive R&B-and-funk collective Sault has surprise-released Chapter 1, their 13th album under producer Inflo's Forever Living Originals imprint. The LP features contributions from Cleo Sol, Jack Peñate, and producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. This follows a period of legal tensions involving Inflo and collaborator Little Simz.
Sault, the mysterious R&B-and-funk group led by producer Inflo, has dropped Chapter 1, marking their 13th album since their acclaimed 2019 debut 5. True to form, the release came as a surprise via Inflo’s Forever Living Originals label, continuing the collective's tradition of unannounced projects—more than a dozen in total over recent years.
The new LP boasts notable collaborations, including R&B singer Cleo Sol, singer-songwriter Jack Peñate, and the legendary production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, known for their hitmaking prowess in the genre.
This release arrives amid some backdrop drama. In 2025, Inflo faced a lawsuit from frequent collaborator Little Simz, who alleged he failed to repay a $2.2 million loan. The funds were intended to cover costs for Sault’s first-ever live performance in December 2023.
Accompanying the album is a statement from the group: “moves with patience and belief. Rhythm, breath, and silence sit side by side, creating a space that is reflective yet charged. There is warmth and expectation. A sense that something is gathering.”
Sault's elusive nature has long fueled intrigue, with their music blending funk, soul, and experimental elements. Chapter 1 upholds this legacy, offering listeners a charged, reflective listen.
