Tinashe’s “Nasty” became an Uproxx “Song Of The Summer” candidate, and now, she’s coming for Album Of The Summer.
Quantum Baby is due out on August 16. When Tinashe dropped “Getting No Sleep” in late June, she described the album as “exploring who I am as a person and who I am as an artist. I’ve never been one to be put into a box, so the name Quantum Baby encompasses all the different parts that make up who I am as a creative.”
On Thursday, August 1, Tinashe revealed the album’s tracklist, as seen below.
1. “Tina.Sh3 / No Simulation”
2. “Getting No Sleep”
3. “Thirsty”
4. “Red Flags”
5. “Cross That Line”
6. “When I Get You Alone”
7. “No Broke Boys”
8. “Nasty”
Quantum Baby will arrive just short of a year since Tinashe released BB/ANG3L, her sixth studio album. This spring, Tinashe told Paper that “BB/ANG3L was always intended to be a trilogy, with Quantum Baby serving as the part two.
“I wanted to release it in three parts just to give people a real sense of what every section meant and really allow them all to marinate,” she told the publication. “Sometimes, you create music, and it just gets consumed so quickly. You spend years working on this art. And so, I wanted to pace myself in how I was releasing and drop it in three parts. I think, initially, people were kind of confused as to why the first part of the project was seven songs and didn’t understand that there was more coming. So I’m excited to release part two coming up.”
Quantum Baby is out 8/16 via Nice Life. Find more information here.
Tinashe has been in the music industry for the better part of a decade now. While she did have a couple of songs that got her some attention early on (“2 On” “All My Friends”), it seems that things are different now. We mean that in the best way possible, as it seems her newer output is keeping listeners around this time. She has been impressing the critics as well, especially with her last project, BB/ANG3L. We continue to revisit tracks like “Treason”, “Talk To Me Nice”, and “Needs”. However, Tinashe now appears to have the greatest hit of her career so far with “Nasty” as now it’s getting remix after remix.
In June, the Lexington Kentucky native put out a collection of new versions under the Match My Freak EP moniker. It includes the original version in addition to another six renditions, with all of them featuring different DJs. However, there are two new big-ticket features that Tinashe added to this EP, and those are Tyga and Chloe, aka Chloe Bailey. Both of their verses replace the lead artist’s second and each one is about 20 seconds shorter. These remixes for “Nasty” are just loosies, as the first version and “Getting No Sleep” are the singles for Tinashe’s August 16 LP, Quantum Baby. Still, give these new options a spin below.
Is somebody gonna match my freak? Touch my body ’til my knees turn weak You ain’t even gotta ask me, ask me You know I’m down seven days of the week (Yeah) I can tell you wanna touch my— (Uh, match my freak) Lick my— (Uh), kiss my— (Uh, oh-oh, match my freak)
Tinashe’s new song “Nasty” is a runaway hit — the kind that has her former record label, RCA, “gagging” after dropping the ball on supporting the genreless singer’s career. However, now that Tinashe is in full control of her creative direction, she isn’t letting a single opportunity slip by.
Enter the “Nasty” remix, featuring none other than fellow ostensible pop-R&B star Chlöe, who teased the song a few days ago while introducing her social media followers to her Carnival costumes for this year’s festivities. On “Nasty,” Tinashe wonders, “Is somebody gonna match my freak?” On the remix, Chlöe answers in the affirmative, applying the same unreserved energy she exhibited on songs like “Have Mercy” and “Treat Me” to the subject at hand. Chlöe affects a skittering delivery just short of straight up rapping as she sings, “Hey, big daddy, is it big enough, deep enough? / Freak enough, can I get a little, little piece of ya?” Listen to it below:
The remix is part of a collection of remixes Tinashe released tonight as an EP, Match My Freak, including remixes by Kaytranada, OG Ron C & DJ Candlestick, and more. Another remix features a verse from Tyga, which you can also listen to below.
Meanwhile, Tinashe’s album, Quantum Baby, is out 8/16 via Nice Life. Find more information here.
If, like me, you have been completely incapable of escaping Tinashe’s admittedly catchy single “Nasty” for the past few weeks, you’d best batten down your hatches, because its shelf life is about to get extended greatly. Chlöe, another pop-R&B star who has defied categorization for most of her career and developed a bit of a reputation for showing off an unexpectedly seductive side, teased a remix of the song in a new video posted to social media.
In signature fashion, Chlöe paired the tantalizing teaser with an equally eye-catching visual, giving fans an early glimpse of the second of this year’s Carnival costumes. You may recall that last year’s costume caused quite the fuss online as she attended her first mas in St. Lucia. This year, she donned two separate costumes; one featuring an absolute riot of rainbow colors, the other, an aqua-and-gold mesh bodysuit. Check out pics of both below.
Even Tinashe couldn’t help boasting a bit about “Nasty”‘s success, telling a reporter during a street interview that her old label, RCA, is “gagging” as a result of dropping the ball while promoting her career. She’s since gone independent and with her upcoming album Quantum Baby on the way, it doesn’t seem they’ll be getting over it any time soon.
A performer who works in contemporary R&B and pop styles, Tinashe is a dynamic force and versatile artist. In the early 2010s, she put out mixtapes called In Case We Die and Reverie, which critics well received. This caused her to become popular with her fans because they were different from anything else then. Further, her voice is sexy but also strong. What sets her apart from other artists is how her music combines electronic elements with those of R&B and pop. This can be heard best on tracks such as “Aquarius” off her first studio album of the same name (released in 2014) – where heavy basslines meet synths. The success of “2 On” feat Schoolboy Q further cemented Tinashe’s place among music industry giants during its release year.
Moreover, Tinashe’s work ranges from high-energy tunes about going out to slow jams about thinking things over. These display a wide emotional range as well as a deep understanding of songwriting. Following Nightride (2016), Joyride (2018), and Songs for You (2019), projects that saw her experiment more while still staying true to herself musically speaking, we can safely say there isn’t anything else left for Tinashe to prove.
1. “2 On” Ft. Schoolboy Q (2014)
Released as the lead single from her debut studio album Aquarius in 2014, “2 On” is arguably Tinashe’s breakout hit. The track, produced by DJ Mustard, features a guest verse from Schoolboy Q and combines R&B and hip-hop with an infectious, club-ready beat. “2 On” also showcases Tinashe’s knack for creating catchy, danceable music.
The song became a commercial success, peaking at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100 and receiving widespread radio play. It also earned critical acclaim for its production and Tinashe’s confident delivery. “2 On” helped establish her as a fresh and innovative voice in the music industry, paving the way for the success of her debut album Aquarius. This track remains a staple in her discography and a fan favorite.
2. “All Hands On Deck” (2015)
An unforgettable track from Aquarius, “All Hands on Deck,” highlights Tinashe’s ability to create high-energy, dance-ready anthems. Stargate and Cashmere Cat handled the production, providing a vibrant backdrop for Tinashe’s commanding performance. Further, “All Hands on Deck” received positive reviews from critics. The accompanying music video, featuring impressive choreography and striking visuals set in a shipping yard, also elevated the song’s impact. As one of the key singles from Aquarius, “All Hands on Deck” cemented Tinashe’s reputation as a dynamic artist capable of delivering captivating audio and visual experiences.
3. “Company” (2016)
Tinashe’s bold attitude towards R&B is highlighted in the sultry and assertive track “Company,” from her 2016 project Nightride. Produced with dark, moody beats and atmospheric synths that let her vocals shine through, this song has a minimalistic feel. Exploring themes like self-assuredness and independence, the lyrics propose the idea of having no strings attached in relationships. The fans loved “Company,” too. Critics praised Tinashe for being so mature on this record and showing off her vocal skills. The music video also helped establish her abilities – with intricate dance moves combined alongside sleek stylings. It definitely stands out among others from Nightride because it proves once again how good she is at creating such emotionally driven contemporary R&B and pop songs which still manage to connect with today’s audiences.
Featured on her 2018 album Joyride, “No Drama” is a track that pairs Tinashe’s smooth vocals with Offset’s sharp, dynamic style. Produced by Stargate and Hitmaka, the song combines trap and R&B, creating an edgy and modern sound. Tinashe delivers assertive lyrics about staying focused and avoiding unnecessary conflict, reinforcing her strong, independent persona. Further, the song received positive reviews for its bold production and the chemistry between Tinashe and Offset. “No Drama” charted on the Billboard Hot 100 and established Tinashe’s ability to collaborate with top-tier artists. Moreover, with its dark, futuristic visuals and slick choreography, the music video added another layer of intensity to the track.
5. “Die A Little Bit” Ft. Ms. Banks (2019)
Released as the lead single from her 2019 album Songs for You, “Die a Little Bit” marks a significant moment in Tinashe’s career. The track, featuring British rapper Ms. Banks, mixes electronic music, pop, and hip-hop. The song’s production also creates an atmospheric backdrop for Tinashe’s introspective lyrics about the complexities of life and indulgence. “Die a Little Bit” also received praise for its creative sound and Tinashe’s bold artistic direction. The song highlighted her ability to evolve and push musical boundaries. With its stylish, avant-garde visuals, the accompanying music video further emphasized the track’s themes and Tinashe’s creative vision. As a standout single from Songs for You, “Die a Little Bit” encapsulates Tinashe’s artistic growth and commitment to exploring new musical territories.
“I love that song. It’s like the hit of the summer. When they play that jam, I’m jamming.”
Those are the words of tennis icon Serena Williams, speaking during a panel at Essence Festival this past weekend. She was talking about Kendrick Lamar’s Drake diss “Not Like Us,” but Williams’ crowning of the tune begs the question: What is the “Song Of The Summer” for 2024?
It’s an unofficial distinction (well, Billboard has an official chart for it now) that annually carries some cultural weight. It’s also just a fun thing to think and debate about midway through the year. Technically, we’re only just at the start of summer, as the season officially runs from June 20 to September 22. There’s still so much summer left, so instead of handing out the title now, let’s look at the leading candidates at the moment, making the case for (and against) some of the most obvious contenders.
Kendrick Lamar — “Not Like Us”
The argument for: “Not Like Us” has everybody talking, so much so that Serena Williams is publicly discussing it. Rick Ross got punched (allegedly) over it. The song has reached “referenced in local weather reports” status. Plain and simple, it’s a mainstream hit.
The argument against: The song came on so strong in early May that it’s safe to wonder if it has already peaked. (The song’s recent well-received video demonstrates the track’s staying power, though.) Also, given that the whole thing is a Drake diss, it’s just not very nice! (Some of the following arguments against other songs may be equally flimsy. These are all beloved hits, after all.)
Post Malone and Morgan Wallen — “I Had Some Help”
The argument for: The longest-running No. 1 song on the Hot 100 of the year so far? It’s “I Had Some Help.” Pair that with the fact that this Malone and Wallen collab is currently the most visible crossover hit in the ongoing country music wave and it has a strong case.
The argument against: The main opposing force here is whether the song has enough juice on its own beyond the headline-making collaboration. Wallen and Post are two of music’s biggest stars and that certainly has helped the song’s trajectory. It’s hard to say if that will be enough to carry the tune through the hot months to come.
Shaboozey — “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”
The argument for: There’s something about country music that’s routinely perfect for summer, and just like Malone and Wallen’s single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is landing at just the right time. It has had a gradual climb up the Hot 100 and as of yesterday, it’s his first-ever No. 1 single.
The argument against: The biggest reason to say “no” to this one has nothing to do with the song itself, but its competition. “A Bar Song” is fantastic, but it’s just going up against some heavy hitters that have demonstrated bigger and more sustained success. But, maybe its newfound No. 1 status is the start of a run of its own.
The argument against: “Million Dollar Baby,” with its April release date, is older than the aforementioned songs. Given that viral hits like this often have relatively short shelf lives, this one very well could be a relic of viral history soon, well before summer is up.
Tinashe — “Nasty”
The argument for: Tinashe got to flex on her former label a bit with this one: The song is originally from April, but it started going viral on TikTok in June. Consequently, it has become her biggest solo hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
The argument against: “Nasty” is really more of a viral hit than it is a chart hit so far: Despite its ubiquity online, it has yet to crack the top 40 on the Hot 100. “Nasty” could use some more reach before it truly enters the conversation.
Billie Eilish — “Birds Of A Feather”
The argument for: Billie is one of music’s favorite personalities, and she’s done it all by doing her own thing. She doesn’t chase radio-friendly hits, but that doesn’t mean she’s incapable of them. “Birds Of A Feather” is an example, a bit of romantic pop fun, and the people love when Billie gets a win.
The argument against: It’s still hard to tell the sort of staying power this one will have. It was only just released as a single last week, so at this point, predicting whether this will end up being the summer’s defining song would be a bold call.
Chappell Roan — “Good Luck, Babe!”
The argument for: Roan has been one of the year’s biggest breakout stars so far, so much so that it’s been challenging for her to handle. Leading the way is “Good Luck, Babe!,” which has swelled into her most significant hit to date.
The argument against: Chappell isn’t the most obvious of hit-makers. Sure, the song rules, but we’ve already seen one Kate Bush song top the charts this decade, it’s hard to imagine it happening again. So, who knows how much time this one has left in the summer sun. (It did just hit the Hot 100 top 10 for the first time yesterday, though.)
Sabrina Carpenter — “Espresso”
The argument for: Of course we had to mention “Espresso.” Carpenter was an emerging star before the caffeinated single, but the song absolutely took off and established Carpenter as a no-qualifier-necessary, S-T-A-R star. There’s also the fact that “Espresso” basically sounds like it was made to a summer smash, with its warm vibes and radio-friendly hook. Carpenter’s personality also just makes her a fun person to root for and listen to, which certainly works in favor of “Espresso.”
The argument against: Carpenter has moved onto pushing a new hit, “Please Please Please.” “Espresso” is still doing just about as well as the fresher single, though: “Please Please Please” had more Spotify streams in the US last week, but “Espresso” was No. 1 on the same chart globally. Ultimately, of all the songs on this list, “Espresso” may have the least working against it for “Song Of The Summer” consideration.
Tinashe had big expectations going into this one. “Nasty,” her previous single, has been one of the most viral songs of 2024. It spawned dance challenges, memes, and the phrase “match my freak.” It also gave Tinashe’s her biggest solo hit. A follow-up to “Nasty” was going to be daunting, and the singer decided to veer left. Instead of trying to double down on the aggression on “Nasty,” Tinashe opts for a more chill direction. “Getting No Sleep” feels like the slower, subtler sequel. Which isn’t a bad thing.
The music video for “Getting No Sleep” continues the Terminator/Mad Max imagery that has defined Tinashae’s current album rollout. Sonically, though, the single is the night to “Nasty”‘s day. It boasts a stuttering drum beat and blow out bass hits. Tinashe vocals take on a more conversational pattern, as well. There are times during the verses where it sounds like she’s trying to do her best PinkPantheress impression. PinkPantheress with a little more commercial gloss. To be fair to Tinashe, she does a pretty good job emulating this sound. “Getting No Sleep” is a song that gets stuck in your head, but it won’t be the phenomenon that “Nasty” was. Which is fine. Tinashe is focused on making good music, and she’s done just that here.
Let us know what you think of this brand-new track, in the comments section down below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Tinashe Takes Influence From PinkPantheress On New Song
Quotable Lyrics:
Know you’d be here two nights straight Let yourself in at the gate Big-a*s house, got extra space No bra, Santal, smells like cake All good teeth and all gold Ace
On her viral single “Nasty,” Tinashe is looking for someone to match her freak. And it seems she has found the right suitor. Tonight (June 27), the Los Angeles native has shared her new single, “Getting No Sleep” from her upcoming album, Quantum Baby.
Over a hypnotic beat, Tinashe gets lost in the vibe of a man, letting the minutes turn into hours as the two stay up all night.
“All week long, keep pressure high / Got you whipped, all quick replies / I’ll admit I still get shy, overwhelmed in overdrive, she rap sings.
In the accompanying video, Tinashe finds herself at the center of the action, making epic chases through motels and dive bars.
Tinashe has been delivering next level music and visuals for over a decade. But with “Nasty” becoming a hit, we see her finally getting her long-deserved flowers. While she has several mixtapes and albums that could’ve warranted a mainstream breakthrough, it is nice seeing Tinashe’s hard work pay off in real time, and it looks like Quantam Baby will be the one.
In addition to “Getting No Sleep,” Tinashe has revealed the release date and cover art for Quantam Baby
You can see the video for “Getting No Sleep” above, and the Quantam Baby artwork below.
Nice Life
Quantam Baby is out 8/16 via Nice Life. Find more information here.
Lexington, Kentucky native Tinashe was struggling for quite a while to really breakthrough as a memorable standout. Even though the now independent artist had her fair share of hits early on, she was more of a backup singer rather than the main act if you will. However, the veteran has really come into her own with her last two albums and singles. The three-year run has consisted of mix of experimental, personal, and fun R&B jams, really providing something for everyone. One of those highlights for the songwriter has been “Nasty”. It has been so big for Tinashe that she decided to drop a new EP called Match My Freak.
On this six-track set, the 31-year-old is bringing the original Billboard Hot 100-charting smash, as well as five fresh remixes. Whether you want more danceable grooves, or slow-mo vibes, Tinashe has got you covered. To help bring all of these versions to life, she recruited DJ Tunez, Wuki, UNIIQU3, Jane Remover, OG Ron C, and DJ Candlestick. Going back to the impact of “Nasty”, the April 12 release has been on the Hot 100 list for just two weeks. However, after making its way into elite company, it catapulted from 90 to 69 over the last seven days. Additionally, the sticky lyric of, “Is somebody gonna match my freak?“, has created a new trend on social media which you can view below.
After starting her career on RCA Records, Tinashe has gone the independent route for her latest releases. It’s working out pretty well, too: Her latest single, “Nasty,” is a TikTok favorite and one of the biggest hits of her career. Tinashe’s RCA years were filled with conflict, so she doesn’t seem to mind rubbing her success in their faces a little bit.
As a recent video shows, Tinashe was asked by a reporter, “Do you feel like RCA kind of dropped the ball when you were on their label? Because they couldn’t do it? You did it by yourself.” Tinashe responded, “You know? We just didn’t need them. All you need is hard work, good fans, talent. I know they’re gagging.”
The cameraperson also asked about what Tinashe has on the horizon, and she teased new music, remixes, a tour, and her upcoming album (she said BB/Angel, her 2023 project, but presumably misspoke and meant her upcoming album Quantum Baby).
Tinashe has previously spoken about her dissatisfaction with RCA, saying in a 2019 Billboard interview, “There were definitely ups and downs. I give them a lot of credit for helping me start out. […] My second album process just wasn’t as seamless as the first. I first announced it in 2015, right off the back of Aquarius. For whatever business reasons, it didn’t come out for the next three years. With that process of delaying the album, I felt really deflated as a creative. I was frustrated and helpless. I was over it and felt jaded.”
