3 Song Feature: Nahima, Courtney Cooper, and A'NAMII
I am not sure how I came to find Nahima but watching her video for "Dumb Boy" made me smile. She looks gorgeous and the minimal video highlights not only her beauty but keeps the focus totally on the lyrics and the overall aesthetic of the song. "Dumb Boy" starts with a beautiful acoustic that has a moment which sounds scaringly close to Eddie Money's "Take Me Home Tonight/Be My Baby" for just a split second and I freaked out a little. It was just my ear though, as the song is a beast on its own. Not even through the first verse and we are hit with some strong melodies and great BGV's. Her tone is enjoyable, and her delivery of those pointed lyrics are fitting and dripping with attitude. It almost feels like she is reliving those personal moments that inspired the song while she laid those vocals.
Getting into the lyrics, I would be hard pressed to believe that I don't have my own dumb boy story that aligns with this. Dating and relationships is like that though, sometimes people just aren’t what they seem, and it takes gall to not only confront it but to also call it out. I especially commend the in your face and boisterous details that feel and sound all too real.
Visually, the video feels like it was handled with much care. The flow of the scenery and the movement in each of them demonstrate nothing less than STAR QUALITY. The contrast in each frame and the editing is superb. Nothing about this visual feels independent AT ALL, so kudos to her and the team behind this visual.
There is a whole world of independent R&B artists that are out here creating some amazing music and art. Nahima has me excited to explore more of that and makes me want to keep my eyes on her journey! One day I will be able to say that I knew her before she blew up! :)
Courtney has a banger on her hands with “Mood For Love”. The far-out effects in the music add some funk and give the song a throwback vibe that is still contemporary and very Courtney. I enjoyed the surprise that came from some of the background vocals, their placement feels intentional, and it adds to the funk and almost psychedelic feel of the record.
I both enjoy and applaud Courtney's directness during the chorus. For one, she does good work to set the sexy vibe during the first verse. Courtney beautifully sings about all the necessary elements that it takes to put her in the mood. Building up to the chorus, we are met with relentless honesty as Courtney lays out exactly what she wants. As beautiful as Courtney is, no doubt her lover is more than happy to deliver the goods.
The video ups the sexy factor of the song, placing Courtney at the center of a frame so that she can fully embody the music and lyrics. The visual stays consistent by fixing our star as the backbone of the visual, but the effects and natural scenery fill it out and help accentuate the mood of the song.
After a few spins, the song grew on me even more and different parts of it began to stand out. The infectious delivery on "We can take it slow, and never wanna let you go, boy you got me so high, hold me in your arms all night" really stayed with me. It is hard to ignore just how committed Courtney is in both her style and sound. I encourage anyone who checks out "Mood For Love" to really take it in because the song is great. As an independent artist, carving out your sound and establishing your brand is so important. I would bet that anyone who finds and listens to Courtney's music (and this song) would recognize that she is doing just that. Be sure to checkout Courtney on IG here and get into her catalogue!
A’NAMII brought us into the world of "Settle" with a lower register that complimented the jazzy instrumentation. She then opens to a bigger and brighter tone that hits you in the stomach. The emotion you feel in her belts and the runs define what classic R&B music is.
Lyrically, the song packs a powerful and important message that sometimes ONLY comes when you go through heartbreak and struggles. A’NAMII has no qualms in allowing us as the listener to learn from her mistakes, divulging the bittersweet realities of her romantic experience. The lessons that she took from this are glaring and evident in lyrics like "I'm sure I’ll find another love, Who want it just, As bad as I do, Can’t believe a part of me still wanted you". Familiarity and a love that probably once burned bright are hard to walk away from. But what A’NAMII is leaving with are her newfound expectations for love and knowing that they will be how she finds something true.
The music video brings to life the underlying somber message of the song, one that is blanketed under the soulful tone coming from A’NAMII. The beginning is a premonition of sorts, capturing my attention and keeping me committed to the end so that I can find out just how the songstress got here. The buildup of each scene is executed perfectly, and the styling is fire. I hope that A’NAMII is proud of this video because it is gorgeous and fly.
I am completely new to A’NAMII and her music, but I would be remiss if I failed to mention how I connect with it instantly. You can find more A’NAMII here and make sure to stream “Settle” today!
