Author: Kara B (Twitter @karabrazey20)
When discussing musical versatility, Nicki Minaj sits on a throne of few. Known for her razor-sharp lyrics, lyrical prowess, witty bars, entendres and a bevy of flows, Ms. Minaj continues to show and prove, why she leads the pack with her back to them. Every so often she lays the Rap Queen armor aside and gives us musical vulnerability. In her latest collaboration with rapper and singer Bleu, Ms. Minaj serves her relaxed flow alongside the sultry vocals of Bleu, in their hit “Love In The Way”.
As Bleu sings “It hurts to love again and it’s all because of you”, you’re instantly pulled into the song with a “little one two” step to his smooth and charismatic vocals. Having never heard a Bleu song before, “Love In The Way”, was a great introduction to him. Both artist tell of a relationship that seems unable to end, due to their continued love for each other. Giving a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of old school RnB and country music, the writing for “Love In The Way”, puts Bleu and Nicki’s penmanship on full display. With vulnerable lyrics and smooth vocals, Bleu and Nicki create a moment over an instrumental. You can easily find yourself reflecting on your own love experiences as you sway to the rhythmic beat.
I think this is the vulnerability RnB has been missing. Artist crafting a story and bringing it to life with vocal talent and musical production that isn’t overpowering or used to mask shortcomings.
“Love In The Way” features a sample of Sam Tompkins “Whole” much to his delight. Bleu’s heartfelt and poetic lyrics was in complete harmony with Nicki’s reflectiverap verses. If the goal was to create a sensual song with depth, then Bleu and Nicki succeeded in more ways than one. Music is consumed at a much faster rate than in previous years. So, when a soulful song like “Love In The Way” comes along, you feel compelled to stop and let the music move you. Enjoying every melody and word as it was intended.
Nicki Minaj is The Queen of Versatility. Opening the song with a relaxed rapping style that’s crafted into the beat. She raps in the intro “Cause I was like fuck you and them bitches included”, “Cause I was going thru it, ain’t nothing more to it”, ladies who hasn’t been there lol. But,it’s what make these musical moments of vulnerability with Nicki so endearing. Relating thru her music, which doesn’t get the recognition it deserves. An artist, a true artist speaks thru their art/craft. We may never know the source of her inspiration or if it was just verses off her dome. And that makes her intriguing to the listener. The creative process.
Listening to the song, I appreciate the way Nicki and Bleu’s vocals complimented each other’s. Nicki’s melodies were intricately woven in like a collaborativeproject between artist as opposed to the bs narrative of “Nicki hopping on a song”. “Love In The Way” will be one of those songs that makes its way to every RnB playlist because of the fluidity of the artist, making this a head swaying hit. Congratulations Bleu and Nicki. Both of you proved RnB is not dead…people are just listening to the wrong artist.
The music video for “Love In The Way” was released earlier today. And they did not disappoint. The visual is stunning, clean and expertly captured. Directed by Primo (kudos to you!) the video is an ode to black love with a hint of “Black Panther” inspiration and I’m here for it! Bleu and Nicki gave African royalty while donning supreme fashion against a backdrop of beautiful melanated women and men throughout the visual.
Bleu is surrounded by melanated Queens that sway to the island beat of the song creating the ultimate end of summer vibe. Nicki sits atop her throne in what appears to be a beautiful and elegant feathered corset. The visual adds to Bleu’s passionate and soulful delivery while enticing the listener to come into the story he has created. The simplicity of the video and soulful sounds of Bleu is what gives “Love In The Way” replay value. My words can’t describe the beauty in this video. And that is the point. Allow yourself to enjoy and feel the music while relishing in the visuals. Let’s take music back to when artistry mattered, and visuals were appreciated as an extension of the song. We can start right now with “Love In The Way”.
