This week’s best new songs are a wonderfully personalized spin on remaining true to who you are. From Joyner Lucas‘ “What’s That” to Reggie Becton’s “Sadboy,” the records here will push others to never compromise themselves at the expense of someone else’s happiness.
Read Natalee Gilbert‘s selection below:
Baby Tate and Saweetie – “Hey, Mickey!”
Renovating her 2016 hit record, “Hey Mickey!” is about shooting your shot at a man who’s “so fine you blow my mind.” The animated hip-hop beat invites Baby Tate and Saweetie to use their most silver-tongued lyrics. On “Hey Mickey!” Baby Tate speaks about the moment they locked eyes. From there, visions of their future came into play. That is until she sees his sight set on someone else. Saweetie’s wordplay demands a clear answer about where they stand. Using a multitude of impressive deliveries, she spits confidentially, “But you acting like a kiddie/This ain’t Disney/Real boss bitch, leave a nigga quick/What I look like? I’m too litty.”
Joyner Lucas – “What’s That?”
Joyner Lucas’ “What’s That?” is undoubtedly causing a commotion. Stirring the melting pot with hot streak bars and pure dominance, the Not Now, I’m Busy MC makes it known that he’s here to stay. Sprinkled in the record is also a declaration to stay single and remain ten toes down. The in-your-face victorious hip-hop offering evokes a dire need to go hard. Later, the beat shifts to an acapella tone, emphasizing the message. The witty wordsmith uses a bouncy technique throughout “What’s That?”. In hindsight, Joyner Lucas underlines the importance of relentless determination. “Fuck the disrespect, I gotta interject/I gotta lift the weight, tell all my bench to press (Okay),” he spits ruthlessly. “My life been the shit, you niggas been depressed/You either misdirected or you incorrect.”
Summer Dennis – “Ain’t Nothing New”
Summer Dennis lets others know that that’s her man, and she’s going to stick beside him in “Ain’t Nothing New.” Coming off the singer’s upcoming album, the fun R&B beat finds Dennis using powerhouse vocals to drop some endearing lyrics about a man who just might have the Midas touch. But, although they may have minor setbacks, it doesn’t stop the two from pursuing happiness. “Still don’t know why I put up witcha/Made up my mind that I’m done tryna fix,” she sings. “Ooo/you so problematic/But I gotta have it.” One fan said about the single, “Don’t know when the goosebumps will stop as I listen.”
Reggie Becton – “SadBoy”
Introducing songs like “Leaves” and “Call,” to name a few, from his newest soul-drenched LP, Sadboy Vol 1, “Sadboy” is about being cautious of who holds your heart. Deeply rooted in vulnerability, the mellow jazzy R&B offering finds Reggie Becton contemplating his lady’s switched-up behavior. While looking for reassurance, the singer analyzes his truer feelings toward her. Similarly, he promises his lady that these questions come from a place of concern, not aggravation. He sings in a dreamy vocality, “Addicted to that vibe and then you switched it/I can’t leave you alone I’m conflicted/I can’t leave you alone I’m just saying, praying, hoping, staying/No I’m not complaining/I’m just tryna tell you how I feel (Feel, feel feel).” Sadboy Vol 1 serves as “The R&B music of Gotham City.” Wholeheartedly the project embodies love, loss, and everything in between.
NBDY – “Feels”
Like the aforementioned record, NBDY’s “Feels” demonstrates what it means to be uncertain about the depth of one’s relationship. The brooding R&B cut sets the tone for NBDY to explore where he and his lady stand. Additionally, the New Jersey artist navigates through his own dealings with reluctance and begins to wonder why he’s triggered by the unknown. Taking a page from his innermost thoughts, NBDY shares a narrative of how things could be if their story continues. Amid asking for clarity, he sings ethereally, “Even though I know you care for me/Need to feel like you there for me/Cause’ trust ain’t never been there for me yea/Even though I know you’re the one.” Elsewhere, he touches on the cause of his reservations. “Feels” is a highlight from his upcoming EP, Take Control.
BEE-B – “That Girl”
Envisioning life without self-consciousness, BEE-B speaks from the POV of women who are too overcritical of themselves. The emotionally-driven record is bolstered by resonating lyrics and BEE’s full and rich singing range. Sonically, “That Girl” is a sweet blend of warm R&B and jazz. A highlight from Hood Hippie, the nearly four-minute record pushes others to be the best version of themselves. She sings in the pre-hook, “If I was that girl that didn’t care about the people that would stop and stare/Or would judge her by the things she wears/I see those girls everywhere already know that I’m perfect type/But how I wonder what it would be like.” Soon enough, there will be a visual for “That Girl.”
