We don’t know what it is about Zo! and Tall Black Guy, but every time they come together, it sho’ is funky. The last time we got funked up by the duo on wax was when they dropped their collaborative debut Abstractions back in 2021. They’ve been touring off the strength of that album ever since and even released a deluxe edition of the set in 2023. But now they’ve got some newness to introduce us to with their latest single “Keep Him Satisfied” featuring the talented Sy Smith.
“Keep Him Satisfied” drops the crew into the territory of early ’80s R&B, specifically looking to the Mary Jane Girls as an influence. Zo! and Tall Black Guy, along with producer 14KT, craft a sound with drum machines, synths and keys that hew close to the Rick James productions of the era while offering a slightly smoother feel. It’s a party starter, for sure.
Sy brings the references to the Mary Jane Girls front and center, interpolating a bit of the lyrics and melody of their hit “Candy Man” as she sings about just how sweet — and a little naughty — she and her man can be to each other. It serves as both an ode to him and a rebuff to any woman bold enough to try to sway his affections.
She’s not catty about it, though, as she states plainly on the chorus, “Ohh, and you can’t deny / And yes I know I got a prize / Ohh, and he’ll never lie / He’s gonna stay right by my side / Ohh, and you can’t deny / But I can see why you tried it / Ohh, I’m his ride or die / My love will keep him satisfied.”
“Keep Him Satisfied” is the first listen we’re getting from Zo! and Tall Black Guy’s new album Expansions, which will be potentially released in early 2026 (perhaps even sooner than you might think). If its anything like their previous work, then we’re going to make a little room in our collection as we turn the volume on up on this one.
