Review: nice X Amindi
Social media is probably the best example of being both a blessing and a curse, it’s an entity that has transformed the dynamics of almost every industry. The music industry in particular has experienced major shifts with new elements that allows for direct interaction with fans (but also the rise of toxic stans) and calculated marketing for promotion. Still, one of the most positive by-products of social media and music evolution is artist discovery (s/o Myspace). We have all witnessed the internet catapult people into stars. Some of these artists have been a part of the industry long before social media fame. Doja Cat for example has been a fully established artist signed to a label since 2012, but it’s Mooo! that pushed her into the spotlight and made people pay attention to her greatness. Then there are artists who are babies of the internet, like Lil Nas X, who has created an entire music career off a viral single that highlighted his star power. Amindi is another artist who was introduced to new audiences through social media, her breakout 2017 dancehall single Pine & Ginger took over timelines and soundcloud likes eventually leading to a remix featuring Popcaan and Kranium. Since then, Amindi has released a slew of singles and features that highlight an expansion in sound. She was most recently featured on All Herb from Isaiah Rashad’s album The House Is Burning. The best features always adapt to sound but stay true to artisity, Amindi does just that on a hook that would fit right in with the sound of her own debut album. This is something that typically only happens when artists have their own voice and sound (influences will always be there, but that’s not the same as imitation). Zora Neale Hurston famously stated “Those who don’t got it, can’t show it. Those who got it, can’t hide it” and that rings true loudly for artists. Amindi’s music seems to be organically her, and that makes all the difference. It also explains why she has delivered the “coolest” album of 2021 with nice.
Sonically, nice is a bit different from what we have previously heard in hit singles as the album categorically leans more into alt. R&B (but what are genres anymore?), although the flare of Amindi’s Jamaican roots is certainly still present. The album starts out with u got next, a somber yet inspiring introspective track that gives us a glimpse of the challenges and fears Amindi has reckoned with to reach an acceptance of self and circumstances that allows her to declare that she absolutely does in fact have next. It sets the tone for an album of her standing in this power and clarity. Yet, in forthcoming tracks this vibe doesn’t come off as cocky or arrogant (although that wouldn’t be a bad thing), it instead feels like a freedom and boldness we should all be working towards. The next track, haircut, is self love realized. Amindi is that bish and she knows that, so much so she’s happy to take herself on a date (big Oops (Oh My) by Tweet energy). On NWTS (times flies, are we referencing Drake already?!) Amindi coasts with ease, feeling herself (rightfully so) as she freestyles positive affirmations in between her reflections of personal growth. slideshow is a sexy flex on men and a narrative of a modern woman who knows she’s the prize with hella options at her disposable. Amindi is deep in her bag on telly, a nod to the trendy Telfar brand and a clever track (s/o Destiny’s Child) that captures the essence of Amindi while low-key being a body positivity bop. The sound switches up on death proof which eerily captures the spirit and invincibility of night life with your besties. It’s a femme fatale anthem that isn’t forced, and we give thanks for that. On great, Amindi details going through the motions of life when you’re not all the way there. A feeling that’s all too familiar, especially after a year like 2020. The album ends with title track nice, which sums up the entire album. “I’m not even in my prime but I know this shit is mine.” That really says it all.
nice is our first view into Amindi’s world, and it’s pretty relatable as it perfectly captures the energy and lifestyle of twenty-somethings. However, it’s Amindi’s style and personality that shines through. Some people just have it, and you naturally gravitate to them because of that. Amindi is nice but more importantly she’s real, and you can hear it in her music. Similar to the early works of Solange, Amindi’s music is right where it needs to be. The world will catch up and real ones are already taking notice.
Favorite Tracks:
slideshow
telly
haircut
