In this airy, fluid 18-track collection, the Brooklyn artist finds joy and delight in life's tough moments.
Yaya Bey’s ‘do it afraid’ is the comforting remedy we require at this moment. This album is a heartfelt celebration of love and happiness, as Bey describes it as a departure from past narratives imposed upon her – a reclamation of her own story. True to its Gemini nature, it balances the harsh realities of life with touches of whimsy.
Bey shifts from fiercely delivering bars in the opening track ‘wake up bitch’ and the attitude-filled ‘breakthrough’ with powerful lines like “taking my magic for granted bitch / like I won’t snatch it away / fuck it now I’m on some savage shit” to reveling in the beauty of human connection on ‘real yearners unite’, a light-hearted lovers' ballad that feels like a musical slow dance.
This multifaceted project sees Bey exploring the dreamy electro disco of ‘dream girl’, to sultry new-age jazz and soca, particularly in ‘merlot and grigio’, where she embraces her Caribbean heritage. ‘blicky’ encapsulates all that Bey excels at; soulful sounds, unapologetic lyricism, and fluid, rich vocals that blend to create new-age music infused with an old-soul spirit.
‘do it afraid’ exudes positivity; a timeless, rich work that encourages embracing life's beauty even in dark times. As she puts it, “If you wanna be brave, first you gotta be afraid”.
8/10
Words: Jessica Rogers
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Yaya Bey's 'do it afraid' serves as the comforting solution we seek at this moment. It is an authentic celebration of happiness and affection, where Bey describes this album as a rejection of