Kiyan Foroughi x Masia One

Multi-cultural producer and storyteller Kiyan Foroughi releases “Beautiful Distraction” featuring Singaporean vocalist Rachelle Ruby and acclaimed rapper Masia One, out 30th January 2026. The second single from his debut concept album ‘inner light. OUTER SPACE.’ on 27th February 2026 marks the moment the protagonist gives into desire — a seductive collision of hip-hop, R&B, and late 80s synth wave.

“‘Beautiful Distraction’ is where the protagonist of my upcoming album stops seeking and gives into desire,” Foroughi explains. “Masia One is the Enchantress… desire made flesh. Rachelle Ruby is the voice inside saying yes. Two voices, one heart. Hip-hop & R&B meets late 80s synth wave. It’s the seduction before the reckoning.”

The track represents a pivotal narrative shift in the album’s mythology. “The album is about remembering who you were before you forgot,” Foroughi continues. “This is the moment she forgets on purpose.”

Masia One, born in Singapore and raised in Canada, brings formidable presence as the album’s Enchantress. Known as the #FarEastEmpress, she broke stereotypes for Asian and female artists in Toronto’s burgeoning hip-hop scene, earning her stripes working from L.A. to New York as a songwriter and creative consultant with studio Kops & Robbers. After moving to Jamaica to record at Bob Marley’s Tuff Gong Studios, she’s reconnected with her Southeast Asian roots as an artist, entrepreneur, and cultural ambassador.

After graduating in Architecture from the University of Toronto, Masia’s groundbreaking journey led to collaborations with Che Pope (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill), Pharrell Williams, John Frusciante, and RZA (Wu-Tang Clan). Her music has been featured on Netflix series including Tiny Pretty Things, Snow Piercer, Wu Assassins, Altered Carbon, Fast & Furious 8, and CBC Gem’s FAKES. Beyond music, she’s a sought-after keynote speaker and recently stepped into the role of creative director for crypto-based music label DAORecords.

Rachelle Ruby, who anchors the album’s emotional core as the protagonist’s inner voice, grew up performing in Singapore before life made her stop. Years later, a casual mention to her boss (Foroughi) that she used to sing led to her becoming the voice of this cosmic mythology. Her floaty, ethereal vocals blend neo-soul with lo-fi hip-hop — “Like Erykah Badu meeting Nujabes in space,” Foroughi describes.

Born in France to Iranian parents and raised across Paris, Dubai, Boston, New York, London, and now Singapore, Foroughi channels a lifetime of cultural translation into cosmic R&B that bridges East and West. Inspired by J Dilla, KAYTRANADA, Nujabes, and Questlove, alongside contemporary voices like Anderson.Paak and Jorja Smith, his sound weaves neo-soul, trip-hop, jazz, and boom-bap into cinematic storytelling.

Set in a dreamlike future, ‘inner light. OUTER SPACE.’ follows a female protagonist navigating alien worlds and mythic trials. Inspired by Rumi’s philosophy and Carl Jung’s shadow work, the album is a non-linear journey inward—play it forward for ascension, in reverse for descent. Either way, the destination is the same: remembering who you are.

Following debut single “Seas of Space” (November 2025)—the protagonist’s first step into the unknown—”Beautiful Distraction” represents the moment of surrender before the trials ahead. The album features collaborations with actor Darius Homayoun (Succession, Tehran), veteran rapper Substantial (Nujabes’ most frequent collaborator), Japanese American lofi artist Taiyo Ky, and singer George Azzi.

Single: “Beautiful Distraction” feat. Rachelle Ruby & Masia One
Release Date: 30th January 2026

Album: ‘inner light. OUTER SPACE.’
Release Date: 27th February 2026