As a mainstream artist trying to break out, it could be quite difficult making music that’s resonant, whilst retaining your sonic identity. It’s harder for Hip-Hop artists, because the mainstream isn’t receptive to rap. On her debut EP, Teddy pulls off the incredible feat of making music that’s great, resonant and unmistakably her.
The last time this writer was instantly sold on the talent of an artist, going off their debut EP alone—it was 2 years ago and said artist was Ayra Starr. It wasn’t because other popstars who had broken out over the years weren’t as talented. Nope, there has been some incredible debut projects especially from the same Mavins camp that houses these two artists. It’s simply for the sole reason that Ayra back then and Teddy now made great music that’s so unique, you can’t imagine it coming from anyone else.
This isn’t in anyway alluding to some inference that these two artists are the only unique artists we have. It’s only stating that they managed to sound unique on their debut EP, whereas most of their peers needed a lot more time, a couple more singles or even a debut album to establish their sonic identity. With only 5 tracks, Teddy takes you on an exhilarating ride that would leave you reeling at the end. This is a complete artist in all facets and the prowess of her delivery hints at significant maturity and grooming that has happened behind the scenes before her reveal.
A night before Lifesize Teddy was revealed, this writer got wind of the upcoming unveil and thought the name was a bit absurd. After the unveiling however and her visual aesthetics was on display, it made sense. The baby face, the glimmer neon eyeshadow, the velvet silk voice, the mild aura of sensuality. It all made sense why that name was opted for and it is indeed icing on the cake of her brand. An artist who doesn’t only make unique music where her personality shines through, but also has very distinguished visual aesthetics.
“We are losing daylight, I want you like air” from the get-go on Air, the EP opener, it’s pixel clear that Teddy’s pen-game is realms above that of an average popstar and is rightly on the level of a rapper. The amount of emotion and heartfelt metaphors embedded in her writing could also make the second verse on the song pass as sublime poetry written by true connoisseurs. The beat is almost bare on the verses, so the sole focus is vested in the weight of the lyrics and her smooth delivery. It’s until the hook comes around again, that we hear those distant reverbs that sound like eerie-like cries from an haunted soul.
We don’t depart from this enigmatic atmosphere on the next track, Hypnotic and Andre Vibez uses sirene-esque, wailing synths to create a grand atmosphere befitting for the track. At this point, you can’t help but wonder if Doja Cat is a sonic inspiration for Teddy, because she’s merging pop and rap in that colorful, kaleidoscopic way that Doja is profound for. Like the preceding song, Teddy goes off on the second verse—shedding her pop skin and rising as the Phoenix she is as a rapper.
Whilst Air had Teddy waxing poetic about her lover, Hypnotic has her acknowledging the potency of her swagger and its effect on her love interest. When the sunny, colorful soundscape of Butterflies pulls into view, Teddy is a lover girl again. It’s the most soulful track on the album and this writer’s favorite. In one smooth sequence, Teddy has seamlessly navigated Hip-Hop, Pop and R&B from one song to the other. She’s almost a chameleon in the way she morphs into whatever the song needs her to be and blurs the line between genres to help the transitions smooth. Shout-out to the producers too.
It’s also on Butterflies that she shows she’s an accomplished vocalist. She goes on a vocal run in the second verse, that’s backed up with emotive background vocals that would give anyone eargasms. On a lyrical level, this is probably the 2nd weakest song on the EP and yet it’s also arguably the best song on it. For one, the writing is still brilliant for the topic and the vocal performance is sheer sonic magic. This is easily one of the best Afro-R&B songs out this year.
John Wick is the Amapiano-fusion lamba made for the mainstream. Matter of fact, the shakers and log drums are so sparsely infused that you’ll almost miss it under the visceral drums. Topically, it’s a braggadocious track like Hypnotic, except it’s not in a romantic context and she’s bigging up herself, using the action star as an analogy and warning that she’s not to be messed with. Compared to the other songs, the writing isn’t as phenomenal but as an average Afro-pop track the writing is still really good. This is further testament to Teddy’s pen-game.
“Have you ever seen a diamond in the rough?” Teddy sings on Prophecy, highlighting the fact that she’s a very special, unique talent. In the new generation, there has really been no one that’s surfaced and fused pop and rap in the kaleidoscopic way she’s done it on this EP. It’s also further evidence that she’s destined to become a superstar. Not only is she making great, resonant music that’s unique to her. She’s also coming in to fill in a void in the industry that no one is occupying.
For the rest of the song, she’s making emphasis on the fact that the world is hers for the taking and she’s here to dominate and stay and her delivery conveys her confidence, so you know she believes what she is saying. It is also this writer’s belief that this EP is one of the best EP’s out this year and that Teddy doesn’t fail to make a glowing impression. One that’s gonna be pivotal in her eventual breakout as a star.
Final Verdict:
Sonic Cohesion: 1.5/2
Unharried Transitions: 1.4/2
Expansive Production: 1.5/2
Songwriting: 1.8/2
Optimal Track Sequencing: 2/2
Total: 8.2/10
–This review is written by T.J. Martins, an Album Talks writer.
