Devonté Hynes' artistic development has been marked by continuous diversification and exploration. After establishing himself in the dance-punk band Test Icicles and as Lightspeed Champion, Hynes changed course again as Blood Orange. Since debuting the project with Coastal Grooves (2011), Hynes has developed a progressive mixture of several styles while incorporating lyrical themes such as identity, sexuality, belonging, and spirituality. Despite enlisting extensive supporting casts on later albums Cupid Deluxe (2013), Freetown Sound (2016), and Negro Swan (2018), all of which registered on Billboard's R&B and independent charts, Hynes' output has been resolutely individualist and deeply personal. He has also branched into film music and classical composition, and has been sought out as a collaborator by artists ranging from Carly Rae Jepsen to Philip Glass.