A falsetto that could give artists as big as The Weeknd a run for their money, a rapping prowess that could run circles around any favorite gravel-toned emo rapper, and a face that everyone could bring home to mom. What more could you ask for from Los Angeles based R&B artist Cøzybøy?
Content from the “H.U.R.T.” singer has been far and few between since the release of his 2018 concept album A BEDRØØM STØRY, but Cøzy’s affinity for lyrics delving into the difficulties of love has not waned in the slightest. “Ex Girlfriends with Cruel Intentiøns” is the latest installment in Cøzy’s never ending struggle with beautiful lovers mixed with mind altering substances. The self-produced single features soft swelling R&B pads and trap flavored percussion. Every facet of the track is dripping in reverb, painting the listener a spacious and syrupy atmosphere. Despite this, the listener doesn’t have long to take it all in. Just like that, kick drums hit into action, and Cøzybøy’s soprano takes the main stage. Starting on his usual subject matter, Cøzy details lyrics of a love that should have never been:
Girl I’m so bad for you // And you were so bad for me // I know your past girl // You should have passed on me //
At a slow 100 beat per minute waltz, the vocal delivery is meticulous and audibly pained. Cøzy’s vocals ebb and flow with the beat, falling in between crisp falsetto runs. His croon drops down delicately on the drum-stripped bridge, and just as soon clashes energetically into the second verse. Trudging on with lyrics recounting love lost, Cøzy finishes off the track by trading his slow-burn soprano for a quicker, sonorous rap. The track concludes as the entrancing pad backing the vocals trails off into silence along with Cøzy’s voice. Listen to the syrupy slow single below.