By: Michael Jacobs – Senior Correspondent | Gay Music News

LAS VEGAS, NV — (August 17, 2026) — Destin Conrad is back in the JRL CHARTS Gay Music News spotlight with the highly anticipated official music video for “Favorite Lover,” released August 17 as the acclaimed R&B artist begins setting the stage for his upcoming project, ROADRUNNER.




The new single finds Conrad bringing a distinctly reggae-flavored groove to his contemporary R&B foundation, creating a warm, laid-back sound that carries directly into the tropical atmosphere of its accompanying visual.

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The release also continues a run of Conrad projects followed by JRL CHARTS, including previous coverage of  “It’s Only You,” “DELUSIONAL” and “Kissing in Public.”

Destin Conrad Brings Reggae Flavor & Island Energy to ‘Favorite Lover’

“Favorite Lover” immediately establishes its own identity through an easygoing rhythmic pulse, with Conrad’s smooth R&B delivery riding over a production that carries unmistakable reggae flavor.

Director Fernando Faria Hevia translates that musical atmosphere onto the screen through lush tropical greenery, open water and scenes aboard a small boat featuring Myles Loftin and Xavier Means.

The visual moves between sunlit outdoor landscapes and moodier environments, including sequences drawing on sound-system imagery. Those contrasting settings give the video a cinematic progression while maintaining the relaxed island atmosphere established by the track.




Fashion also plays a prominent role throughout “Favorite Lover.”

Conrad moves through an eclectic wardrobe of statement headwear and headwraps, layered jewelry, textured knits, mesh pieces and relaxed silhouettes. Under creative director Savannah Baker, the styling, locations and cinematography come together around a distinctive palette of earthy daytime tones and dramatically darker nighttime imagery.

Later sequences move into deep blue-black lighting and intimate close-ups, including the striking setting featured in the official VEVO artwork. The transition provides a moody counterpoint to the tropical daylight scenes that dominate much of the visual.

Together, the music and imagery make “Favorite Lover” feel like more than another preview of ROADRUNNER. Conrad has created a release where the R&B-meets-reggae sound, fashion and island-inspired cinematography operate as parts of the same creative statement.




‘Favorite Lover’ Production Credits

Featured Cast: Myles Loftin and Xavier Means
Director: Fernando Faria Hevia
Creative Director: Savannah Baker
Stylist: Xavier Means
Record Label: EMPIRE

Follow Destin Conrad:
Instagram | TikTok | X (formerly Twitter) | YouTube

Official Website

Record Label:
EMPIRE

Country of Origin:
United States

Language:
English

Run time:
4 Minutes

Release date:
August 17, 2026

Copyright © 2026 Destin Conrad / EMPIRE

Destin Conrad Takes His Music Back on the Road

The arrival of “Favorite Lover” also comes as Conrad continues an international live schedule through the remainder of 2026.

Among his upcoming appearances is Broccoli City 2026 at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, on September 19.

Conrad will then head to South Africa in December as a special guest on The Kehlani World Tour, appearing at SunBet Arena Time Square in Pretoria on December 15 and Grand Arena at GrandWest in Cape Town on December 17.

Upcoming Destin Conrad Tour Dates

September 19 — Bristow, Virginia
Jiffy Lube Live — Broccoli City 2026

December 15 — Pretoria, South Africa
SunBet Arena Time Square — The Kehlani World Tour

December 17 — Cape Town, South Africa
Grand Arena at GrandWest — The Kehlani World Tour

With “Favorite Lover” now officially out and ROADRUNNER on the horizon, Destin Conrad is building his next chapter around a sound and visual identity that continues to push his R&B foundation into new territory.

For the latest LGBTQ music news, international pop releases, music video premieres, and artist spotlights, stay connected with JRL CHARTS Gay Music News, your source for what’s trending in global music and entertainment.




Michael Jacobs
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