This celebration of womanhood was the third song released in advance of Monae’s third album, an “emotion picture” called “Dirty Computer." Here's a look at those and other highlights of the month in music. Meanwhile, Prince's original version of "Nothing Compares 2 U" was released after gathering dust for more than 30 years.Īnd Father John Misty delivered a love song devoted to calling other love songs out for overselling love while bringing the chamber-pop hooks like the late '60s Beatles. But first she shared another stunning video, this one for "Pynk." Janelle Monae brought April to an awe-inspiring finish with "Dirty Computer," an album sure to make the rounds of year-end critics' lists. View Gallery: A guide to April concerts in Phoenix 2018 The combo of Uchis and Nasty commands attention in the best of ways, challenging what it truly means to be your own boss and revel in the power that comes with it.Ĭontact Francesca Hodges at. “Aquí Yo Mando” is a bold, assertive demonstration of domination. Uchis and Nasty come together well as they seamlessly hand off the spotlight between each other. No one knew they needed this collaboration until it happened, and now listeners are yearning for more from the two artists. Part “Blade Runner,” part telenovela, the two pair together in almost perfect sequence to take over a pig-themed corporation, climaxing to smash a piggy bank. Uchis took on a larger role with the video as she co-directed her and Nasty’s badass heist narrative. With lines such as “ Yo tomo las decisiones, yo escojo las posiciones/ Puedes tener los cojones, pero yo los pantalones,” translated in English to “I make the decisions, I choose the positions/ You can have the balls, but I have the pants,” their blunt attitudes toward the relationship’s power dynamic are stated without question. “Aquí Yo Mando” roughly translates to “Here I command,” and the two undoubtedly establish their domination throughout the whole song. Most of the track is sung in Spanish, even Nasty occasionally switching over to the romance language in the last few lines of her verse. Nasty adds a punchiness to this track, which amps up the overall energy, but her vocals would have been more impactful with her usual fierceness. Nasty’s lines are texturally less intense on “Aquí Yo Mando” than on her solo material, but the style accommodates to Uchis’ signature breathy tone. Uchis and Nasty nail in their points with aggression, even through more amusing one-liners mixed into the song. The two trade off passages of rapping and singing to shape a diverse palette of talent. “Aquí Yo Mando” offers dynamic movement with its alternating cadence, matching the versatility of Uchis’ and Nasty’s own transitions.
This accent pairs well with the singers’ lines and sly, dismissive side comments. The two proclaim their power to a controlling beat it hammers in with hi-hat rhythms against a techno development. There is no compromise sown into the lyrics - the ball is completely in their court. Refusing to work within normative bounds, Uchis and Nasty show that they know their worth and what they want. The partnership doesn’t offer an alternative - they both present an option and inherently say “Take it or leave it.” Instead of helping the girl boss mentality rise through the corporate ranks, the duo instead chooses to dismantle the system completely. With this collaboration, Uchis and Nasty offer a personal interpretation of the girl boss character. A partnership of shoulder-padded suits and avant-garde-sculpted hair peppers the video, Uchis and Nasty creating a luxe landscape of vanity and power with the words and visuals.Įmpowering sentiments permeate the track, challenging ideas of what it means to exude strong female energy.
This cutthroat attitude remains constant throughout the pair’s latest single, “Aquí Yo Mando,” which dropped Aug. When Kali Uchis and Rico Nasty bring out their stiletto heels and brass knuckles for a music video, you already know the song means business.