The producers-turned-vocalists share their first collaboration together
Leesta’s enigmatic, prideful personality contrasts with Tommy Ice’s emotionally vulnerable style. The former found overnight success thanks to his popular Triller videos, an inadvertent shoutout from Lil Yachty, and the lingering effect of his breakout YSL-inspired track “Blitzing.” While the memes and jokes have certainly elevated Leesta’s popularity, his tireless work ethic and knack for creating catchy melodies have helped him attain a devoted fan base. On the contrary, Tommy Ice has slowly but surely built one of the underground’s most loyal followings, partnering with Kevin Kazi for two very memorable TommyKazi projects. The lead track off the first edition, “Risky”, elevated the duo by allowing unprecedented growth that would only increase at the release of Tommy’s debut solo effort, Up Next: The Mixtape. Despite their differences, the two find a perfect medium to fuse their styles in their newest offering, “Material Girls.”
On their first collaboration, the duo glide over a pristine guitar beat from Holland-based producer Loesoe. Leesta delivers a slick hook while both rappers take turns detailing their designer clothing and distrust in girls. Despite Tommy Ice’s braggadocious nature, the confidence he initially opens with on his verse quickly fades into a more vulnerable tone. The third line, “I’m so lonely, with my dogs like a pack” echoes far louder than the rest, serving as a candid self-reminder of his feelings beyond all his riches.
On the other hand, Leesta finds solace in material possessions, though a handful of lines in his verse read deeper than others. The Alaskan-born rapper finds himself troubled with the gossip that surrounds his name, though quickly shrugs it aside at the expense of Yves Saint Laurent clothing and Audemars Piguet watches. He has never been one to hide his yearning to leave his home state, noting, “once I go to LA, there is no coming back.” The chorus further reinforces the conflicting nature of the track — while they could respond to the material girls who only want them for their money, it is best to ignore anyone who might stunt their income.