Teyana Taylor returning to music after a five-year hiatus has us all abuzz and anxious to see what she brings on her upcoming album and short film Escape Room. However, we thought we’d have to wait awhile to get the first listen and view of project. Turns out, we only had to wait a few days. Teyana has surprised everyone by dropping the set’s lead single “Long Time” along with a visual that offers a snippet of what the short film has to offer.
“Long Time” finds Teyana opting for a future R&B sound. Producers Rico Love and The Runners combine forces to give the singer a sound that combines her usual R&B stylings with house and electronic elements for something quite unique. A thumping kick, wavy synths and gurgly electronic bass allow Teyana to dish on a love that long overstayed its welcome.
She lists her grievances pretty matter-of-factly on the song’s sole verse before getting even more direct on the bridge, singing, “I kept you inspired / I lent you my fire / You let me get tired / And the truth is, I didn’t end when it was over / Baby, it’s been over a long time.” And then, just when you thought Miss Taylor couldn’t get any blunter, she simply states on the chorus, “Shoulda been walked out this b***h a long time.”
The song’s visual allows Teyana to flex her surreal side. There are several moments where she gets to show off fierce fashions — from a white number splattered with blood-colored crystals and a flowy, breast-baring number perfect for the video’s dance break. But, most importantly, the visual gives us an idea of the plot for the short film, with the star running from a former love played by Lakeith Stanfield and possibly into the arms of her future boo Aaron Pierre. And, as an added bonus, the clip ends with what sounds like another brand-new song from Teyana that sounds like quite the emotional ballad.
This first look and listen to Escape Room has us wondering what all Teyana Taylor has been cooking over there. While we have to wait until August to see and hear the project in full, you can stream “Long Time” and get into its visual below.
