After a relatively quiet career in the ‘10s, T-Pain returns to his glory days on single “Textin’ My Ex.” He’s assisted by Tiffany Evans.

T-Pain has distinguished himself throughout his career by a number of characteristics.  For one thing, he has an affinity for autotune.  Furthermore, few would describe him as a clean artist – he has its share of explicitness.  Over the past couple of years however, T-Pain, like many artists, has seen his popularity wane.  Part of that his simply because he hasn’t released a new solo album since 2011 (rEVOLVEr).  2017 has found him stepping up his game, dropping the T-Wayne mixtape and releasing new singles, including “Textin’ My Ex” featuring Tiffany Evans.

There’s lots to like about “Textin’ My Ex.” Yes, the message is shallow, but T-Pain has always handled shallow well.  The production is lush and sensual, while the tempo of the song is slow and relaxed.  T-Pain is drenched in autotune, but his tone is perfect and familiar on this particular song.  There’s a sense of emotion, even if it comes from a drunken, sexually-charged place.  On the chorus, he sings:

“Textin’ my ex (oh no) / Don’t I look good? I’m just talkin’ ‘bout sex (yeah)… / And I’m so ready for regrets / Yeah, baby, baby…”

Tiffany Evans ends up being a fine duet partner for T-Pain. She doesn’t arrive until the third verse, but it’s a nice contrast, providing the perspective of his ex.  She responds, singing:

“You know you shouldn’t call me / So why the hell you call me? / You know I got a new man / But this unknown number, this is all you / …Just hope your new girl don’t catch you texting your ex.”

Final Thoughts 

Hmm, bet R. Kelly wishes he’d written this one.  T-Pain nails it on “Textin’ My Ex,” a shallow, yet irresistible record about loneliness and horniness.  It’s well-sung, well-produced, and as silly as he might be for calling her, is this really that far-fetched? No.  How many artists have written songs about wanting to hook up or actually hooking up with their exes? Lots.

T-Pain • Textin’ My Ex (Ft. Tiffany Evans) – Single • T-Pain • Release: 11.10.17

Photo Credit: RCA