Tinashe — one of my very, very favorite up-and-comers — is just about ready for her 2014 takeover.
Following the release of her two incredible mixtapes last year — In Case We Die and Reverie (as well as a spare collaboration here and there, like “Painted Faces” with Jacques Greene) — the alt-R&B singer-songwriter has since signed with RCA Records and spent the past year recording her 2014 major label debut.
To keep us satisfied until the album surfaces, Tinashe just dropped a brand new track: “Vulnerable,” which serves as the first taste of her upcoming mixtape out on November 26, Black Water.
Obviously, it’s everything.
The Boi-1da and Vinylz-produced track builds on her winning formula of murky, late night creep-hop beats, ambient noise and haunted vocals — a blend of The Weeknd, The XX and Cassie. “Once upon a time, I was all alone / How you like me now, do I turn you on?” she purrs. Later on, Travi$ Scott hops on the track for a verse for an aggressive, Yeezus-like verse (he’s Kanye‘s protege, after all) — and then it’s right back into Tinashe’s slow-grinding mood music.
The accompanying video’s a real treat, too: For anyone who hasn’t been formally acquainted with the moody songstress, this offers a nice introduction to her seductive appeal. And as for her ridiculously sexy moves? what can I say? She works the camera in a way that gets me double-checking my ranking on the Kinsey Scale every time.
I’ve always believed that Tinashe will change the game once she properly pops, and this track is just the right kind of tease to keep the craving going strong.
‘Black Water’ will be released on November 26.