Ty Dolla $ign, Expensive | Track Review 🎵

The always colorful Ty Dolla $ign enlists the ever-ubiquitous, hard-nosed Nicki Minaj for the short, ‘pricey’ banger, “Expensive.”

Ty Dolla $ign continues to be quite the intriguing musician.  His style blurs the line of hip-hop and R&B.  Generally, he delivers enjoyable and interesting results.  He’s back with another new single, “Expensive,” which follows “Ego Death”.  On “Expensive,” he enlists the ever-ubiquitous Nicki Minaj.

“Expensive” keeps things short – 2:17 to be precise! Despite the brevity, the record still enlists numerous songwriters if you can believe.  As far as production, there are also four producers: Blueysport, damn james!, williamvanzandt, and of course Ty Dolla $ign himself. Listening to this, I was surprised that “Expensive” wasn’t produced by Mustard – it has a similar sound and vibe to his work.

This ‘pricey’ banger is set in a minor key.  As always, Ty Dolla $ign remains expressive from a vocal perspective, both colorful and gritty.  He brings plenty of swagger to the table.  Among the colorful, memorable lyrics: “Girl, it’s not your face, it’s your ass, uh-huh / I mean, girl, it’s not your ass, it’s your face, ayy.” Furthermore, we get a catchy chorus. It’s devoid of depth mind you, but memorable.  Nicki Minaj brings ample attitude to her guest verse.  She plays off those expensive tastes Ty mentions, as well as her private parts and sexual ambitions:

“If we go on a date, gotta blow on my cake
But don't hit me if it's tiny, girl from Xscape.”

Final Thoughts

So, what does one make of “Expensive” when it’s all said and done? Well, it’s enjoyable but nothing game changing in the least.  Honestly, there’s just not much to it.  It’s not bad but not particularly accomplished either.  If I ask myself if I’ll be listening to this say a month from now, the answer is more likely to be no as opposed to yes.  Regardless, it’s a temporary vibe if nothing more.

Ty Dolla $ign • “Expensive” (Ft. Nicki Minaj) • Atlantic • Release: 8.28.20

Photo Credit: Atlantic