It seems that Kaytranada is the gift that keeps on giving. This year alone he gave us the undeniable soundtrack to our summer with Kaytraminé, his collaborative project with rapper Aminé, and peppered his production on some of the hottest projects of the year. It’s only fitting, then, that he caps off his 2023 by bringing us two new collaborations: “Lover/Friend” with our fave Rochelle Jordan and “Stuntin” with rhymer Channel Tres.
“Lover/Friend" is a surprisingly laid-back number that sounds like it has hints of ’80s Sade woven into the DNA of its percolating rhythm. Things veer more into his signature sound when the heavy thump of his signature kick makes its presence known. It also ushers in a sultry vocal from Rochelle Jordan, who coos sweet nothings to someone looking to get closer than close with her, singing on the chorus, “Heard you wanna be my lover / Wanna be more than friends / Ooh, and you can’t pretend.”
“Stuntin,” on the other hand, steps straight into banger territory as Kaytra delivers a shuffling beat ornamented with icy synth flourishes. The feel matches Channel Tres’ rhymes as he lets us know just how fly he really is. After discussing his drip, his ice and the big bottles he’s popping, he breaks it all down on the chorus, rhyming, “I barely know / It’s time to go / We need more dro / The hoes they keep on coming / Damn, you see me stuntin’, yeah.”
As per usual, the singles are certified jams. And there’s a chance they could be featured on the latest album from Kaytranada. The producer sent fans into a tizzy when he remarked on his socials that his album was complete and he’s also hinted in the past that it will feature Donald Glover. While we anxiously wait for more, check out “Lover/Friend” and “Stuntin” (and their instrumentals) below.
