Australia-based Zimbabwean rapper Tkay Maidza had a breakthrough last year with Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 2, but she’s not done with the weirdness just yet: Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3 arrives on July 9. We’ve already heard “Kim” and “Syrup”, but today she takes the boisterousness down a notch with the new single “Cashemere”.
As suggested by the title, “Cashmere” is a luxurious track, closer to mainstream pop than Maidza’s usual guns-blazing beats, leaving more space for her to show raw emotion. She uses the crystalline production – created once again with Dan Farber – to show off her vocal flexibility and relay her hard-learned lessons: “you ain’t safe until you’ve lived your life with no fear / you can’t live until you cry every beautiful tear.” The interactive and futuristic beats push the song into the chorus, where Maidza admits “you know it’s hard on me / this time is the last time / ’cause I’m soft like cashmere.” Already elbowing its way into contention for the mid-gig singalong on Maidza’s next tour, “Cashmere” is another jewel in the young performer’s crown.
Listen to “Cashmere” on streaming platforms or watch the video below.
Tkay Maidza’s Last Year Was Weird, Vol. 3 is out on July 9 through 4AD (pre-order/save). You can find her on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
