If you tuned into X Factor UK last year (or streamed it illegally, whatever), you’re already familiar with Misha B, the powerhouse vocalist who finished fourth in the competition. But as we know from previous seasons, fourth place may very well be the new first. Can you say…Cher Lloyd? (No shade to actual winners Little Mix, who are set to slay.)
Earlier today, the 20-year-old songstress unveiled her debut single, “Home Run,” produced by my boy MNEK, the inappropriately talented 17-year-old UK producer responsible for tracks like “All Fired Up” from The Saturdays and “I’ll Be Your Strength” by The Wanted, and whose high top is forever laid.
Now, here’s the thing: I have no idea how to describe “Home Run.” It’s like, um. Well, it’s like a…pop-R&B-reggae-dub-drum-and-bass-dance-ballad thing? Yes, that’s exactly what it is.
Kicking off with a very major diva belt straight out of Cheryl Lynn‘s “Got To Be Real” (not actually the same song, but it’s similar!), the song suddenly turns its swag on (ALMIGHTY LLOYD REFERENCE!), kicking into a marching free-for-all of electronic bleeps, dirty beats and grinding buzzes–121 separate tracks, in fact. (That figure comes from MNEK’s rather in-depth explanation of the song’s creative process from start to finish, which I highly recommend checking out.)
“Baby I don’t know what you done, done, done/But’cha done one and it’s a home run,” the singer riffs on top of the syllable-happy chorus. Floating somewhere between Rihanna‘s hip twerkin’ style, Cher Lloyd’s swagga and Rita Ora‘s grime-pop offerings (“R.I.P.”) exists “Home Run”–a more ambitious, in-your-face introduction than anyone was likely anticipating.
Watch for remixes from Kat Krazy, Zed Bias and Taiki & Nulight to make waves on the dance floor later this summer.
AHMANEEKAYAHHHHH.
“Home Run” will be released on July 15.