21 year old songstress, H.E.R. has been putting on quite a show opening up for Chris Brown on his Heartbreak On A Full Moon Tour but she’s been steady making new music for her fans.
Released today, I Used To Know Her: The Prelude EP is a 6 track offering giving us a little taste of what we can expect to hear on her forthcoming album.
The RCA signee had me right off the jump with opening track “Lost Souls” ft. DJ Scratch where she sampled the Queen, Lauryn Hill’s single “Lost Ones” and debuted her rapping skills. From there on out the enigma that is H.E.R. showcased her signature smooth vocals along side some incredibly naked lyrics.
“Against Me” has probably one of the most real spoken word Outros I’ve ever heard on a song before. She’s basically saying everything a girl’s self-conscious would like to SCREAM out loud to that dude that didn’t appreciate what he had while he had it.
To my women with the utmost respect, intellect
We often forget and neglect intuition can see through illusive intent, listen to it
Just listen, just listen, oh
I found myself searching for a way to prevent, the detriment
And giving the impression that if you express to him what a woman needs, his comprehension is definite
But there’s a difference between understanding and honoring your word
And I’m articulate, he’s a good listener but I’m hesitant ’cause he’s gonna fuck up anyways (anyways, anyways, anyways)
Baby just listen, listen, listen, oh, woah
And the corners of a man’s mind is a place where vulnerability hides
And intimacy is not the act of physical intertwined but it’s the isolation of two minds
That’s why he keeps his heart and his head seperate
There’s only one he can connect with
The multiple names on a checklist, only calls when he’s desperate
I guess, it’s too much pressure to be respectful and honest
It’s too stressful to be keepin’ promises and I’m impatient
I’m too high maintenance, way too many expectations when, we’re just dating
But I’m special, right?
Deny, deny, deny
All you do is lie, word is bond right?
But not with me because I don’t know what it’s like
I’ll never understand the needs of a man or how to nurture
And what she doesn’t know can’t hurt her
But nah it’s deep and you know it
I told you exactly what I wanted
And that love is exhausting but I’m not tired of you yet
Oh, no, woah oh, no
To my women with the utmost respect, intellect
We often forget and neglect intuition can see through illusive intent, listen to it
Another stand out for obvious reasons is “Could’ve Been” featuring fellow R&B colleague Bryson Tiller. Both crooners’ voices compliment each other so well that the chemistry is undeniable.
Ay
What we could’ve been
What we should’ve been
If I wasn’t, if I wasn’t-
With somebody, if you gotta hide it what’s the point of trying?
I ain’t just your friend, no, what’s the point of lying?
Tryna sell a story ain’t nobody buyin’
Look me in my eyes, don’t that feel nice?
Why should it end? Baby I could’ve been
I could’ve been him, more than your friend
Just say where and when, where to make a trip
Baby make a wish, be the one I’m with
Should’ve been a-, should’ve, could’ve, would have been, ay
Yeah I would have been (damn)
Yeah I would have been (yeah)
With her subtle confidence , H.E.R. knows her worth and adds tax on “As I Am” and I am all the way here for this one being the new anthem for the ladies.
Tell me I’m the best, I am
I’ll be feelin’ like, yes, I am, I am
You know I’m the best, I am
Be a fool to not take me as I am
Tell me I’m the best, I am
I’ll be feelin’ like, yes, I am, I am
You know I’m the best, I am
He’d be a fool to not take me as I am
You’re like the sweetest thing I know
Like my favorite Lauryn song
And I need you really bad (oh, yeah)
Don’t take me for granted
You’ll be regretting it
Oh, I should be your last, ooh yeah
Take a listen to I Used to Know Her: The Prelude now and comment your thoughts below!
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