There was a moment on “Dumb It Down”, a standout track from Lupe Fiasco’s sophomore release The Cool, when the oft political rapper addresses his resentment for artists making songs for the “b****es”. In fact he would later cement this claim, when he dropped “Bad B*tch” and its accompanying visuals, which heavily criticized hip hop’s obsession with the degrading term misconstrued to represent an entire gender. Well, after taking a number of controversial hits from the media and fans alike, Wasalu has started to shift his sound away from the overt socially conscious lyrical barrages, to a more radio friendlier, club atmospheric alternative. His latest offering, “$nitches”, isn’t so much a concession to those in the mainstream, who are looking for sex filled songs for romantics, but it does represent the opening of his musical mind to create sounds that will reach a broader audience.

Produced and featuring Ty Dolla $ign, “$nitches” is a smooth R&B flavored track that is perfect for the those late nights. Instead of offering the dense lyricism fans have come to expect, Fiasco sing raps his way into his female companion’s heart. It is definitely different from the norm, and may rub some the wrong way; however, he doesn’t compromise his intellectual quality in the slightest. It isn’t clear if this track will be on his upcoming project, Tetsuo & Youth, but it is solid single. Check it out below:

Jimi (@Nativejimi)