“Forget what they say / when I look in the mirror there’s victory all over my face”
R&B is commonly known as the love genre. Most of the stuff you hear from an R&B artist is centered around relationships: how to get one, how to stay in one, what to do while in one, etc. But there is an under appreciated theme that has produced some of the most timeless and melodic songs in R&B history: the empowerment theme.
Beyoncé practically built her career from this sub-genre, and you can go as far back as R.E.S.P.E.C.T. over 50 years ago to prove this has been a staple of real Rhythm and Blues music.
“I refuse to live my life in fear / and that’s strengthened me to go ahead kick down that door”
Enter Slip-N-Slide Records recording artist Teenear, and our track of the week, “Free”. The Miami native started out as a viral hit, covering songs like Rihanna’s “Stay” and Meghan Trainor’s “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”, and released her first single five years ago. You can hear her musical influences in her vibe: Mariah Carey, Brandy, Aaliyah and of course, Beyoncé. Her debut album should be dropping soon.
This track is a welcome addition to our playlist, encouraging and uplifting, the supportive big sister that doesn’t take no mess, will take off her earrings and throw hands if that’s what it takes to prove that you can do whatever you set your mind to. Go be free.