MC's Music Lounge: Tinashe's "Too Easy" is a bop but feels more like an interlude than a full song

Tinashe earned two of the biggest hits of her career over the past two summers. The first, “Nasty”, came at a time when she hadn’t scored a hit in close to a decade, not since her debut single “2 On”. Similar to Charli XCX, Tinashe has had a cult following but always remained somewhat under the radar. She’s still there to a degree, except now she has two extra hits under her belt, and is more determined than ever to score a third with her latest single “Too Easy”, a pop track, and the music video hints at an entire Hollywood popstar aesthetic. It’s all a part of Tinashe’s decades-long plan of becoming the popstar she was meant to be.

Tinashe has always blended between R&B and pop music, with the performance style of a Janet Jackson, where the choreography is intricate and high energy. The difference is that Janet’s songs were all major pop hits regardless of genre. By the time Tinashe came up, anything that was considered R&B rarely crossed over. Now in the age of streaming, TikTok is blending every genre of music into one spot for the masses to take in what’s popular - just like TRL did 25 years ago. This allows an artist like Tinashe to flourish without anything holding her back. So when “Nasty” hit in 2024, it was like a comeback, and then last year’s “No Broke Boys” with Disco Lines took her to the next level. The dance world is where it’s at right now. Madonna is taking it old school with a nod to her dancefloor beginnings, Slayyyter is earning a viral hit for the first time in her career and now, Tinashe doubles as pop star and DJ. She recently performed a DJ set at Coachella this past April, putting her natural dance instincts to the test.

This is her version of being a popstar, and regardless of if she can keep the train moving on the charts, she still shines bright as ever. It was only a few years ago when she went independent and now, after sticking to her guns and believing in herself, she owns 100% of the career renaissance she is currently experiencing. Tinashe has been quiet for the last year as she’s been in the studio creating what is expected to be the follow-up to her last album Quantum Baby. This is supposed to be the third installment in a trilogy of albums that started with BB/3ng3l back in 2023. The star logo that is projected in her eye in the music video and on the single cover already paints a picture of the whole “popstar” look, so don’t be surprised if she drops the “baby” motif for a “star” themed title in the third installment of the trilogy.

Next week is Olivia Rodrigo’s big release week. I won’t even pretend like I’m not excited, I’ve loved both singles she’s released and I’m really into her current musical direction. Let’s get it. This week with Tinashe we also have new songs from Steve Lacy, Shaboozey, Bryson Tiller and Madonna. Plus, Slayyyter finally gets a hit after more than seven years in the game.

Listen on…

MC’s PICKS OF THE WEEK

“Too Easy” by Tinashe

The opening drums on this track are strong and set the intention for what we’re about to experience. The song is high-energy and the music video gives absolute beast mode. The fur, the choreography, the Hollywood glam, it’s everything that the gays want. I love when she brings out her alter-ego “nashe”. She’s a little wild and more unapologetic, and she lets it all loose in this song. You get so lost in the song and it passes by in a flash, and I mean that. A literal flash, because the song is so f-cking short. I won’t lie, it’s very hard for me to let go of that fact. At a lonely one minute 56 seconds, this feels more like an interlude than a full song. The music video version is around 2 minutes and 21 seconds, which although still acceptable, still needs a bit more. The song is a bop, it’s classic pop Tinashe, but the length (or lack thereof) of the song is definitely distracting. I’ll look at it like an intro to the full body of work. Christina Aguilera’s album intros we just about as long.

“the feeling” by Steve Lacy

In the same vein as Ariana Grande, this song is very much going for sad boy summer. “the feeling” is emotional but still anthemic. Yelling “am I your baby?” on repeat is surprisingly satisfying. The song is about a guy who is so in love with his partner but is also aware of the issues that he faces in the relationship. Doubting every little thing, the usual sh-t that makes an artist put pen to paper. Except Steve also has a great voice, so that makes for a rarity in today’s crop of artists. He is one of the few artists who hasn’t succumbed to trimming songs to the length of interludes in exchanges for higher chances at streams and algorithm hits. No shade to my girl Tinashe, but I’m always going to appreciate a longer track (as long as the song calls for it). Complete with two verses and a bridge, it sits at 4:35, giving it room to breathe and truly have its own identity. This is the type of music I have been missing from the younger generation. Even if Steve’s new tune in not your style, there’s still something to be appreciated in an artist who still believes in the power of a well-written bridge. He’s also into trippy visuals that keep you on your toes. His head is floating in pitch darkness in the video, staying on brand with his psychedelic and experimental aesthetic. Steve blew up a few years ago with his hit “Bad Habits” even taking home a Grammy award the following year. That’s a lot to live up to, but this song is indicative of a promising album of R&B bangers. The lo-fi version of “the feeling” is about to slap, I know that for sure. While Tinashe can help you get outside and shake some ass in these streets, Steve can be the soundtrack for the nights where you just want to be in your feels. Balance.

“Cowgirl” by Shaboozey

Walk with me here… I think Shaboozey has a major hit on his hands with “Cowgirl”, like “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” level hit. For one, country music is taking over the charts right now, but the beauty of “Cowgirl” is that its catchy chorus and Shaboozey’s party-ready vocals are perfect to crossover to a non-country listening audience. The song has the same formula of “A Bar Song” – short and concise verses, a big chorus and a melody so catchy that even those who are completely checked out of the new music conversation could get on board. There’s something in there for everyone. The song is a little bit country, pop, hip-hop, and everything in-between. I must hand it to my friend Natalie for putting me on to this song, she went so far as to call this a potential “song of the summer”. Time will tell on that one, but I can certainly get behind the idea that this song is a f-cking banger. Plus, if it can knock Ella Langley off the top of the charts then even better. I’m sorry but that “Choosin’ Texas” song is about as bland as a Carrie Underwood performance. Then you have the video which co-stars Shaboozey and Summer House it-girl Ciara Miller. Shaboozey’s album itself is a concept album titled The Outlaw Cherie Lee & Other Western Tales, and from the looks of the video, it seems Ciara is Cherie. Ciara was born to be a cowgirl and even more so, born to be a star. Shaboozey is now two-for-two with the releases from this new project, and this now has me asking myself, do I need to go to a Shaboozey concert? I do still have my Beyoncé Renaissance Tour cowboy hat…

“Drop The Lo” by Bryson Tiller

Bryson Tiller wants you to let him know where you’re at. Khalid asked a similar thing in his 2017 breakout hit “Location”, but Bryson is shortening the text. Instead of Khalid’s “send me your location”, Bryson is saying to simply “drop the lo”. Fewer syllables but evidently just as effective. Sometimes sticking to what works is what’s best for the project and in this case, Bryson is following the same formula he did two albums ago: stick to the “trapsoul” sound. Anytime he strays too far on the R&B or too far in the rap lane, it doesn’t land. The sweet spot for him is somewhere right in the middle. Last year he released a double album that didn’t make much noise on the charts or on radio. “Drop The Lo” being the first single from his upcoming album shows that he is sticking to the R&B/trap blend. The song is fire, it’s perfect to use for an Instagram story when you’re feeling yourself and want to post a little thirst trap. For me that’s a very big factor in a song getting played in high rotation. The song has already been making the rounds on social media with influencers like Desmond Scott using it on their platforms with millions of followers. And if you like it, then you’re in luck, because Bryson is taking his new era on the road with an arena tour across North America later this summer. I have seen Bryson in concert before and what he lacks in stage presence he usually makes up for in vibes. Only issue is I’m not spending $300 on vibes, but I’ll spend $50! It’s the type of concert to take your situationship, have a drink and enjoy a summer evening. But just like a situationship, Bryson’s music is generally made to be enjoyed in the privacy of your own home, LOL.

“Love Sensation” by Madonna

Madonna has been all over the place this week from her surprise free concert in the heart of Times Square to the premiere of the Confessions II film. It’s at that Times Square concert last Thursday that Madge premiered her newest single “Love Sensation”, the third official release from the upcoming Confessions II album. The song was not featured in the accompanying film but a radio edit has been issued which points to the song being used as the next radio single after “Bring Your Love” with Sabrina Carpenter. It follows a similar sonic direction as “Bring Your Love” – think something you’d hear blasting on the speakers on a gay cruise or circuit party. This song is begging to be danced to in a dark room of flashing strobe lights and released inhibitions. Madonna had a fun moment with her producer and musical director Stuart Price during her Times Square performance where she takes over his DJ equipment. Some fans think she may have screwed with the equipment but either way it was cute. Also, simply put, the song is fun. Majority of Madge’s recent songs have been somewhat introspective, even the dance tracks from the new album. This song is all about feeling the vibes and dancing the night away. It’s an automatic smile and a perfect choice for the next single. On first listen the song feels like the little sister to “Get Together” from her last Confessions record, which is a high compliment for those who know the song. Fun fact: the song has already gotten the attention of fellow diva Ariana Grande who has included it on the pre-show playlist for her current world tour. A true diva recognizes taste - I don’t make the rules.

MC’s VIRAL PICK

“DANCE…” by Slayyyter

When I first explored Slayyter’s newest album WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA a few months back, I liked what I heard and was excited to see if the public would catch on. I’m happy to report that they have and it’s thanks to a viral trend that keeps getting bigger. “DANCE…” was first released as a single in January, and just like the rest of her discography, the song fell under the radar. This album is her first official studio album to be released on a major label so with it comes another set of expectations and, let’s face it, resources. I’m not in those conversations but it’s safe to assume that TikTok has some sort of deal in place when it comes to showcasing artists from major labels given the fact that the platform is responsible for promoting a vast majority of the songs currently charting on the Billboard Hot 100. “DANCE…” has become a sleeper hit due to its viral status. It’s even on track to become Slayyyter’s first-ever charting hit.

Whatever’s going on behind the scenes, it’s working because she performed to a packed crowd at Governor’s Ball over the weekend.

The song is high energy and the trend revolves around it. It’s all about locking in, but in this trend you act like you’re sick, ate something bad or whatever your brain can come up with that would result in you locking the F-CK in afterwards like a “just kidding!” type move. I’m talking you pull a Demi Lovato on the camera - locking in like your life depended on it. As usual, people are getting pretty creative with it and you’d be surprised just how long you can be entertained by the various ways people “lock in”. The song is close to hitting a million streams a day on Spotify, easily a personal best for her. It has also amassed over a million sound uses. Everyone from Lizzo to Nicole Scherzinger are hopping onto the bandwagon to help earn some engagement (as per usual, LOL). What a trippy feeling to go from fighting to get your songs heard to having people use it to boost themselves up. The gays have always been in Slayyyter’s corner though, so this song going viral during Pride month feels especially special.