Durand Bernarr Taps James Fauntleroy for ‘Wild Ride’

Buckle up. Durand Bernarr is back with his new single “Wild Ride” featuring James Fauntleroy. 

The Fauntleroy production knocks with the same intensity Bernarr feels for a prospective partner. While Bernarr is in the driver’s seat, Fauntleroy’s vocals ride in the backseat.

“You can have the control / Don’t rush, you go slow, slow / And I don’t care where we go / Don’t even know, whoa,” he sings. 

“‘Wild Ride’ is about being ready when the moment finds you,” says Bernarr. “It’s about intention, knowing who you are, what you want and showing up fully when it matters most.”

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“Wild Ride” is the lead single from Bernarr’s upcoming fourth album, set to arrive later this year. It will follow his Grammy-winning LP, BLOOM, crowned Best Progressive R&B Album in February. It marked Bernarr’s first Grammy win. 

Following Bernarr’s win, BLOOM received a significant streaming boost on Spotify, with “Generous” netting a 1,195% increase and the GAWD-featured “Flounce” rising by 910%.

During his sit-down with Keke Palmer on her Baby, This Is Keke Palmer podcast, Bernarr spoke about the direction of his next album. “It’s a continuation of BLOOM,” he said. “I wanted it to be a bit more upbeat and also talk about other things that surround being in close proximity with people that you have a relationship with, a bond with.”

Released in February 2025, BLOOM includes the Grammy-nominated hits “Overqualified” and “Here We Are.” “BLOOM is me in full color—raw, sentimental, and completely unfiltered. My parents made sure I knew my voice mattered, and that foundation shaped not just who I am, but the music I create,” Bernarr said. “This album is about growth—discovering love beyond romance, cultivating self-acceptance, and thriving in the spaces that allow us to bloom.”

BLOOM was ranked No. 1 on Rated R&B’s 25 Best R&B Albums of 2025 list. 

Before releasing BLOOM, Bernarr treated fans to his En Route EP, which scored a Grammy nod for Best Progressive R&B Album. 

Stream Durand Bernarr’s “Wild Ride” featuring James Fauntleroy below.