First Listen: Tinie Tempah Knows What “Girls Like”
For over 10 years now, it’s been a common production technique in R&B to invite a guest rapper to drop a rhyme on the bridge, and likewise in hip hop to have a vocalist sing a big hook on the chorus. Unabashed commercialism is usually behind this; it’s an attempt to help the track cross-over and capture the guest rapper or vocalist’s fan base and maximize the chances of radio play. Unfortunately, these guest appearances are often distracting and seem phoned in from another planet.
But every so often, magic happens and the R&B, soul and hip hop elements of the track fit hand in glove. An exquisite example is the new single “Girls Like” by UK artist Tinie Tempah. The track, which peaked recently at # 5 on the UK singles chart, features Tempah’s hypnotic and humorous rap over a house beat and a soulful, scorching vocal by Zara Larsson on the bridge. It’s on fire and addictive. The well-directed visual for the single shows Tempah and a group of dancers skillfully busting a move in the streets of Cape Town, South Africa. Enjoy.
By Robb Patryk
