Saweetie, “Closer” | Track Review

Saweetie taps H.E.R. for the assist on “Closer,” a groovy, melodic/pop-oriented rap single set to appear on her debut album, Pretty B*tch Music. 

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o, how talented is Saweetie – “That is the question!” The Grammy-nominated rapper is scoring hits while simultaneously receiving criticism.  Regardless of the skeptics, she continues to release music including a new single with Grammy winner H.E.R., “Closer”.  “Closer” is set to appear on the rapper’s 2022 debut album, Pretty Bitch Music. My, oh my, what a title.  Anyway, does Saweetie have another bop or her hands, or is “Closer” a flop?

“Closer” falls in line with several pop-oriented records from female rappers.  The first thought that comes to mind when I hear “Closer” is it’s like songs released by Doja Cat (Yes, I know they have collaborated). I doubt this is a coincidence given her success, particularly with records like “Say So” and more recently, “Kiss Me More” (featuring SZA).  Instead of tapping SZA for the assist, it’s H.E.R. who embraces those light, sexy, feel-good vibes.  Like Doja, Saweetie brings a more aggressive, biting approach to her rhymes in the verses, contrasting the smooth backdrop ( DJ Swish, Kaine, Mike Crook, and Ryan Ogren). Saweetie’s rhymes encompass sex mostly (“Take them eight-inch out them drawers / Da Vinci dick, come paint these walls”), with some drip mixed in (“I got ‘em sending Birkins on my birthday”). Is it effective? It’s successful, though, I feel like I’ve already heard this song, which makes me a bit skeptical.

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Final Thoughts

So, is “Closer” a bop or a flop? My guess is that “Closer” will end up being a hit for Saweetie with many of her fans considering it a bop.  I don’t know that I’d go that far to call it a certified bop, but it’s nowhere near being a flop.  I do wish, however, that Saweetie could distinguish herself from other female rappers.  I don’t feel that “Closer” brings her any ‘closer’ to separate herself even if it’s quite catchy.  Maybe she doesn’t need to right now, particularly if my prediction that this will become a hit rings true.  Still, personally, I’d like to see more from Saweetie.

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Saweetie • “Closer” (Ft. H.E.R.) • ICY / Warner • 2.11.22

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[: Brent Faulkner, ICY, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay, Warner]

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