Rising urban contemporary stars Khalid, 6BLACK, andTy Dolla $ign join forces for the lush, smooth, and ultimately enjoyable single, “OTW.”

Three rising urban contemporary artists join forces on one track, sigh.  Those three stars are Khalid, 6BLACK, and Ty Dolla $ign.  Both Khalid and 6LACK were nominated for Grammys at the 60^thAnnual Grammy Awards.  As for Ty Dolla $ign, he’s a ubiquitous collaborator, making that paper.  Can single “OTW” be anything but fire? Of course not!

There’s plenty to like about “OTW.” First and foremost is the vibe.  “OTW” features fresh, lush, and smooth production work.  Listening to the backdrop by Nineteen85, it makes you feel all “warm and fuzzy inside.” Naturally, the three musicians sound at home over the rhythmic drums and sleek synths. Beyond the vibe, the performances are solid.  Khalid maintains his distinct, slightly ‘weathered’ vocals on the chorus, as well as the first verse.  The chorus is catchy and memorable, highlighting the acronym:

“Put it in drive, I’ll be outside, I’ll be on the way

I’ll be on the way

You can meet me in five, I’ll be all night, I’ll be all day

I’ll be all day…”

Ty Dolla $ign is gritty, contrasting Khalid with coarser quasi-sung/rapped vocals.  As for 6LACK, he completely different from both, which keeps things fresh.

Final Thoughts

There’s not much negative about “OTW.” None of the three artists reinvent the urban contemporary wheel, but it’s an enjoyable, well-rounded number all in all.

Khalid, 6LACK & Ty Dolla $ign • OTW – Single • RCA • Release: 4.20.18

Photo Credit: RCA