Swae Lee, the most ubiquitous half of southern rap duo Rae Sremmurd, channels his inner Drake on solo single, “Hurt to Look.”

2018 has been a busy year for Rae Sremmurd.  The duo continues to collaborate, and/or release their own singles.  Along with releasing joint single “Powerglide”, both Swae Lee and Slim Jxmmi released solo singles.  Ultimately, the solo efforts from both are a larger part of a triple album. Yes, you read right… Anyways, for his solo turn, Swae Lee serves up single, “Hurt to Look.”

“Hurt to Look” features chill, enigmatic, sensual opening sounds – great vibes to say the least. The production is smooth, in the urban contemporary vein. Once Swae Lee begins singing, a danceable groove enters, anchoring things down. He serves up the delightful chorus before delivering his verses.

“It shouldn’t have hurt to look your way / It shouldn’t have hurt to look your way / I shouldn’t have to catch a case / ‘Cause I’m the one that can’t stand to feel any more pain.”

“Hurt to Look” has Drake vibes going on. Swae is singing as opposed to rapping, something that fans of Rae Sremmurd have long been accustomed to. Lyrically, Lee doesn’t offer anything groundbreaking or monumental.  There’s plenty of repetition, particularly the aforementioned, if catchy hook.

Final Thoughts

The vibe goes a long way on “Hurt to Look.” The smooth production work and smooth, upper register vocals by Swae Lee help make this joint a winning one.

Swae Lee • Hurt to Look (Ft. Rae Sremmurd) – Single • Interscope • Release: 3.2.18

Writers: Adeyinka Bankole – Ojo, E. Getachew, K. Brown & Robertson | Producers: Bizness Boi, EY & FWD

Photo Credit: Interscope