Classic R&B embeds itself into our hearts, transporting us to moments of love, longing, and devotion. Lea Anderson’s Wait 4 U is a testament to that timeless magic. Originally written in 2015 in the midst of getting ready for a date, the song has since found its own destiny, resonating deeply with fans over the years. Now, almost a decade later, Anderson is giving Wait 4 U the visual storytelling it deserves with a long-awaited music video.
Lea Anderson is no stranger to the power of storytelling. Her music, rich with emotional depth and strong, velvety vocals, captures the essence of classic R&B. With influences reminiscent of Whitney Houston, Anita Baker, and Aaliyah, Anderson has crafted a sound that seamlessly blends nostalgia with modern-day soul.
Wait 4 U stands as one of the most beloved tracks from her LP Pronounced Lee Deluxe, originally produced by Grammy-nominated and 16-time Billboard Award-winning producer D-Moet. The track features live instrumentation from the Pat Van Dyke Band, adding a rich, organic depth to its sound. The song encapsulates the idea of unwavering devotion—no matter how chaotic life may be, true love is always worth waiting for.
As Anderson describes it, the song wasn’t written about a specific love interest at the time but rather a belief in the idea of a future soulmate. It’s a song that’s meant to wrap listeners in warmth, an anthem for those who understand the patience and commitment that love sometimes requires.
After years of performing Wait 4 U live and witnessing the emotional connections it forged with audiences, Anderson knew it was time to visually bring its story to life. Despite attempts to film in her birthplace of Washington, D.C., and later in Oahu, Hawaii, fate led her to Miami, where she found a perfect creative partner in Dream Loud Creations, a Black female-owned and led production company. The result? A breathtakingly romantic video that captures the essence of the song’s message.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Miami, the visuals tell the story of two lovers who have waited a lifetime to reunite. The chemistry, the longing, the intimacy—it’s all beautifully depicted in a way that mirrors the emotional pull of the song itself. The video is a celebration of love, patience, and the belief that some connections are simply meant to be.
Lea Anderson’s music has always been about more than just melodies—it’s about emotions, experiences, and the raw, unfiltered essence of human connection. With Wait 4 U, she delivers a track that is sensual, nostalgic, and deeply moving, serving up ‘90s-inspired R&B with a contemporary elegance that keeps listeners coming back for more.
Reflecting on this release, Anderson says, “I dedicate this song to R&B lovers. It’s sexy, serving ‘90s vibes, soul-serving, emotional, classic rhythm and blues.” And that’s exactly what it is—a track that feels like home for anyone who cherishes the golden era of R&B.
With new music on the horizon, Wait 4 U serves as both a farewell to a beloved song’s chapter and a stepping stone toward what’s next.
Wait 4 U has been a fan favorite for years. What made you decide that now was the perfect time to finally release a music video for it?
I felt like the world needed another love song. There are so many people who haven't heard my older music, and having captivating videos to go with them helps it reach new horizons. "Wait 4 U" is classic R&B, and I want to give it one last push to let the people who love music like this find it. The R&B genre's mainstream presence has diminished in a way. And while there are many amazing artists that are still creating R&B in the evolved fashion, not many songs are still made in the classic form. It's the genre I fell in love with first. The songs I'll be releasing in 2025 are not R&B. So, I owe "Wait 4 U" to my culture. I owe it to my younger self to help it reach new people.
You’ve described the song as a love letter to patience and devotion. How do you personally connect to its message today compared to when you first wrote it in 2015?
I'm still a lover girl. I'm still rather patient in my relationships, I just have less time to hang around for long because I travel a lot. Especially since I survived the pandemic, the recent turn of events shows that there are so many things outside that should be done. You can be patient and devoted but growing together is essential. Especially in this day and age.
3. Your music blends classic R&B with heartfelt storytelling. Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
I'm heavily inspired by Anita Baker, Alicia Keys, and Mariah Carey. I used to pretend to be Diana Ross when I was a kid. When I wrote "Wait 4 U," I was listening to alot of Carl Thomas. When I recorded this with D-Moet, I sang it like I imagined Carl Thomas singing it. "Emotional" is peak level classic R&B, it's the bar I reached for. I want to give listeners what I feel when I listen to it. It's priceless.
You’ve traveled extensively and performed in some of the most iconic venues. How has your journey influenced your artistry and approach to music?
It's definitely made me more confident. I know that I can win the Apollo, pack out B.B. King's, and rock Chelsea Music Hall, so I want to do it everywhere now. I've been writing with people who live really far away from me: Hawaii, Nashville, Argentina, Los Angeles, Brazil, just to name a few places.
When I was in Toronto, I got some amazing beats from a really dope producer. I'm learning more about how connected we all are through sound. It excites me so much because I truly believe that music heals. And the world needs more healing.
With Wait 4 U getting a fresh spotlight and new music on the horizon, what can fans expect next from Lea Anderson? Any upcoming projects or surprises?
Over the past two years, I have been singing on the top two Cruise Lines: Disney Cruise Lines and Virgin Voyages. My discovery of new shores propelled me to write songs about the Ocean. I'm excited for everyone to hear them. You can expect to hear more romantic music, just maybe with an Aqua twist on it.