Ravyn Lenae & Dominic Fike, Reputation | Song Review

Ravyn Lenae and Dominic Fike make a formidable duo on the relationship-oriented alt-pop single, “Reputation.”

“Guess I’m the type of girl to waste my time / But I know it keeps you up at night.” Ooh-wee! Sooo, what goes down when Ravyn Lenae and Dominic Fike collaborate? Why, “Reputation”, of course! His reputation is suspect on this engrossing single.  Lenae and Fike composed “Reputation.” Dahi and Ely Rise produced it.

“Reputation” begins with a count-off by Dominic Fike.  Fike proceeds, performing the refrain, accompanied by rhythmic guitar accompaniment (“I’ll always put you first / I’m your three-letter word / I’m loyal to a fault / Just like a dog, just like a dog”). How loyal is he? Ravyn Lenae enters the mix, performing the first verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. She sings beautifully, never getting too high or too low. She brings it, performing with ease in a cool, calm, and collected fashion.  In the first verse, Ravyn believes her lover isn’t being honest – it’s giving a questionable, bad reputation!  In the pre-chorus, she informs him she stays with him because “I wanna believe / That it’s true what you’re saying to me.”  In the chorus, singing with more bite, supported by background vocals, Lenae questions his dedication and honesty, as well as her judgment:

“You look so good, boy, when you lie

I don’t know, maybe, I’m just in denial

Don’t wanna change your reputation

When I’m thinking of you…”

If she is speaking directly to Dominic Fike, she’s not lying – he is fine! Anyway, Fike follows with his response, in the refrain, excerpted earlier.  Then, he drops the second verse, giving his perspective.  Convincing? Not-so-much, but remember, he’s fine! After another chorus performed by Lenae, both perform the bridge. It distinguishes itself from the rest of the song while confirming their issues. Colorfully, Fike asserts, “I’m typical, tellin’ everybody I’m polygamist / Ms. Jackson, I/’m sorry, Ms. Jones, don’t stop dancin’ / Ooh, countin’ on you.”  Word.  All in all, “Reputation” is an intriguing collaboration between Ravyn Lenae and Dominic Fike.  Lenae and Fike give us some alternative, pop, and R&B on this relationship-driven cut.