Love "Nasty"? Get To Know Tinashe With 10 Songs That Show Her Honesty & Artistry
Originally published on GRAMMY.com
While you wait for Tinashe's new album, 'Quantum Baby,' dig into her impressive catalog of solo hits, and collaborations with the likes of Britney Spears and Ty Dolla $ign.
Tinashe is a true triple threat, acting, dancing, and dropping banger after banger as a singer. In just under a decade, she’s released six studio albums, went independent in 2019, and has been showered with critical acclaim for her creative freedom. Regardless of major or independent label backing, Tinashe has shown a commitment to her craft, each release remaining at a high caliber.
Quantum Baby, her seventh studio album and part of the BB/ANG3L trilogy — and fourth to be released under her Tinashe Music Inc label — doesn’t have a concrete release date yet but its lead single, "Nasty," is doing a good job of getting people interested. Released in April, the song became an instant hit with Tinashe fans and garnered a wider audience after being used in a viral video. Even fashion brand Marc Jacobs hopped on the trend with a TikTok now viewed more than 2.9M times.
Because of the viral social media posts, streams for "Nasty" have gone through the roof. The song garnered 600k+ streams in a single day on May 22. Not only has "Nasty" become a hit, but it’s pushed many listeners to generate their own version of Tinashe’s "is somebody gonna match my freak?" lyric.
In honor of her latest hit, and ahead of Tinashe's highly-anticipated next album, press play on 10 essential songs from across her discography which showcases her chameleon-like ability to handle various music genres and styles with ease.
"Needs" (BB/ANG3L, 2023)
"Needs," the second single from BB/ANG3L, wastes no time getting straight to the point. When the sultry beat drops, Tinashe purrs about her many talents and offers a few clear directives for her romantic partner. By the end of this 2.5 minute song, there’s no denying it’s her declaration of total sensual independence.
At first glance, the music video’s setting inside a grocery store might seem random. But all it takes is one focused listen to the lyrics to find the connection between the song and its visuals. A grocery store provides its shoppers with a plethora of options and, as the title of the song makes clear, Tinashe isn’t afraid to pick up what wants when she needs.
"I Can See The Future" (333, 2021)
Tinashe’s music generally adopts a first-person perspective; her own thoughts and desires placed in the spotlight. On the bass-heavy R&B track "I Can See The Future," she subtly brings in the emotional perspective of a man she has her eye on. In the pre-chorus, she sings "He said I don't play 'bout what's mine/I'm not a psychic/I can't read your mind/If you with it, don't waste my time."
As Tinashe talk-sings through most of the song, her raspy voice exudes an enviable confidence while selling her partner a vision of love. By the time we get to the bridge, she explicitly responds to his concerns about her potential indifference. "Get ready for love/Get ready for me/I've made up my mind/I want you to myself," she sings, her vocals muffled in certain sections. Could that allude to her unwillingness to commit?
KAYTRANADA - "The Worst In Me" (BUBBA, 2019)
Listening to KAYTRANADA’s music is the equivalent of a perfect summer evening where you get to dance on a rooftop with your friends. Bring in Tinashe’s vocals and you only turn up the volume on these good vibes. That’s exactly what happened when the duo linked up for "The Worst In Me."
The song explores a relationship rife with uncertainties and bruised emotions. In the chorus, Tinashe sings "I want your love" which sounds encouraging enough. But when she slips into a higher register and immediately follows up with "You bring out the worst me," she hammers home how this is no love song.
Despite the somber message burning beneath the beat, KAYTRANADA and Tinashe succeed in getting listeners on their feet. Fans of "The Worst In Me" were excited when it was announced the duo would reunite for KAYTRANADA’s upcoming album, Timeless, out in June 2024.
"Bouncin" (333, 2021)
On "Bouncin," Tinashe explores a familiar topic — her undeniable sex appeal — but does so by tapping into her "divine feminine energy." In addition, she showcases a few different vocal layers, moving from her strong mid-range to a breathy falsetto. Sung high, the lyrics in the first verse are almost undecipherable. Chopped-and-screwed background vocals add an unexpected texture you can’t help but sing with once you know where they’ll come in.
Thanks to dwilly’s production, the song has just as much nuance as Tinashe’s explorative vocal performance. A plucky, synth melody brings in a playful video game quality while a ticking sound in the background introduces a sense of urgency. When all put together, these elements transform "Bouncin" into a sonic rollercoaster.
"Save Room For Us" feat. MAKJ (Songs For You, 2019)
With a driving beat and moderate tempo, "Save Room For Us" effortlessly captures the melancholic stage after a breakup we might not have initiated. Before Tinashe gets to the chorus, it becomes obvious she's begging her lover to reconsider their decision.
"I think for a long time I didn’t want people to see a vulnerable side to me because I thought they would think I was weak," Tinashe said about bringing more raw emotion to her music. While it’s true the song has plenty of believable yearning, she proves she’s also the type of pop star who knows how to spin her tales of sadness into a dancefloor anthem.
"Die A Little Bit" feat. Ms Banks (Songs For You, 2019)
"Die A Little Bit" stands out as one of Tinashe’s darkest, most experimental songs to date and depicts L.A.'s tricky social scene. While that may be the official line, the single was also her first as an independent artist and could easily describe her artistic journey/newfound freedom.
"Searching for something in someone without a soul," Tinashe sings on the highly danceable track. "Running in circles 'cause I suck at letting go/ Starting to feel like there's no chance of breaking through/Plenty time wasted, what am I waitin' for?"
"Superlove" (Superlove, 2016)
On "Superlove," Tinashe worked with industry juggernaut producers Tricky Stweart and The-Dream to create a slick and utterly infectious pop/R&B track. By incorporating the best elements of hip-hop subgenre Miami bass, "Superlove" manages to transport you to the past without sounding dated.
"Superlove" is technically included on the tracklisting for Joyride, Tinashe’s third studio album, and was meant to serve as its lead single but was released during a period in her career where her album was perpetually delayed. (Joyride was released almost two years after "Superlove.")
"Superlove" landed at No. 72 on Billboard’s 100 Best Pop Songs of 2016. With its feel-good energy paired with the type of music video that would’ve reigned supreme on MTV’s "TRL" (think attractive people rolling around in the sand and lifeguards performing provocative choreography), this song is a testament to the electrifying pop star Tinashe has always been.
Britney Spears - "Slumber Party" (Glory, 2016)
Tinashe has, multiple times, gone on record saying Britney Spears is one of her idols. In 2016, she was able to live out a childhood fantasy by featuring on a remix of "Slumber Party," a track originally included on Spears’ album, Glory. Over a pop-friendy reggae beat, the track details a night between two lovers.
Tinashe takes over the second verse, and layers in additional vocals and adlibs throughout. While none of the lyrics she sings are updated, she rises to the occasion and goes toe-to-toe with one of pop music’s biggest icons. Tinashe’s timbre, polished yet rich in texture, is perfectly suited for the modern pop soundscape. On "The Kelly Clarkson Show," Tinashe discussed performing with Spears and how she could feel the star power radiating from the "...Baby One More Time" singer. "You’re that person now, too," Clarkson reassured Tinashe.
Ty Dolla $ign - "Drop That Kitty" feat. Tinashe & Charli XCX (Drop That Kitty, 2015)
At the time "Drop That Kitty" was released, each artist on the track was having their own respective moment. Ty Dolla $ign was gearing up to release his debut album, Charli XCX had the massive success of "Fancy," her duet with Iggy Azalea, and Tinashe had released the third single from her major label debut.
Each has their own distinct energy and bringing them together for the track could have been disastrous, but it was the type of chaos you want to listen to on repeat. Ty’s melodic rapping is tinged with autotune, while Charli chants lyrics. But when Tinashe’s vocals come in on the post-chorus, they’re as sweet as honey. Though the lyrics are fairly surface ("I know you want it all/I'm giving you a show/You like what I'm doin'"), the song continues to be a consummate pre-game banger.
"Pretend" feat. A$AP Rocky (Aquarius, 2014)
Those skills were put on full display with the music video for her debut single, "2 On." While the logical follow up might’ve been another energetic bop, her label chose to release "Pretend" a mid-tempo ballad featuring rapper A$ASP Rocky. But if you’re new to the world of Tinashe, "Pretend" delivers something special.
The song’s theme is relatable as it introduces the different ways people can ignore issues in a relationship or create imagined versions of happiness. Tinashe’s vocal performance, one of her strongest on a slower track, illustrates how she doesn’t need any feature to shine bright.
