Black Water (Tinashe album)

Last updated
Black Water
Tinashe-BlackWater.jpg
Mixtape by
ReleasedNovember 26, 2013
Recorded201213
Genre Alternative R&B [1]
Length33:04
Label MBE [2]
Producer
Tinashe chronology
Reverie
(2012)
Black Water
(2013)
Aquarius
(2014)
Singles from Black Water
  1. "Vulnerable"
    Released: December 5, 2013

Black Water is the third mixtape by American recording artist Tinashe, first released on November 26, 2013 via INgrooves and her official website. The mixtape was released after the release of her second mixtape Reverie and also being signed to RCA prior to releasing the mixtape.

Contents

As executive producer, Tinashe enlisted a variety of musical producers to work with her on the mixtape, including Boi-1da, Best Kept Secret, Dev Hynes, Frank Dukes, Gabriel Lambrith, !llmind, Inc, J. Oliver, K-BeatZ, Karon Graham, Misfitz Sounds, Osinachi, Ryan Hemsworth, Vinylz, besides being executive producer of the mixtape Tinashe also wrote all of the mixtapes songs. [3] Musically, Black Water doesn't stray far from the same PBR&B and alternative hip hop sound that In Case We Die included, the mixtape also touches on several new genres such as electronica and neo soul.

The mixtape was preceded by the release of the lead single "Vulnerable" which was released on November 26, 2013.

Black Water received positive reviews from music critics who stated she "has the most promising voices of the new generation of alt-R&B starlets," [1] with some critics calling it "highly anticipated" and "must listen" and praised Tinashe's vocal growth. Other critics compared the mixtape to that of Janet Jackson, TLC and Aaliyah.

Background

After a four-year stint in the pop-dance girl group the Stunners, Tinashe left the group to pursue a solo career. On December 20, 2011, Tinashe announced that she would be releasing a mixtape entitled In Case We Die in 2012. [4] After four singles and reaching over one million digital downloads, Tinashe was signed to RCA Records with her official debut album to be released sometime in 2013. [5] On August 5, 2012 Tinashe announced that she was ready to release her second project, titled Reverie. [6] After uploading a trailer of the mixtape on her YouTube channel, it was confirmed that the name of the mixtape is Reverie. [7] The official cover was revealed via Instagram on August 13, 2012. On September 1, 2012 she wrote to her followers on Twitter that Reverie will be released on September 6, 2012. [8]

Development

For the recording of the mixtape Black Water was self-composed and recorded and engineered entirely in Tinashe's bedroom, much like her previous work. [5] For Reverie, Tinashe was the executive producer, however she did also work with various producers from her first project, In Case We Die such as K-BeatZ, Wes Tarte and B. Hendrixx as well as working with new producers BMarz, Nez & Rio, Best Kept Secret, Troobadore, Roc & Mayne, JRB The Producer, and xxyyxx.

Tinashe explained in an interview the meaning behind the mixtape Black Water :

Black water really represents kind of, a period of time. Where it's at night and you know when water is very still and it looks like glass and it's black and you can't see, and I think that's sort of a metaphor for saying, you know the storm is coming, take advantage of this time when everything is all calm and peaceful, and that obviously is another metaphor meaning many other things. [9]

Critical reception

Reviews for Black Water were generally positive reviews, with the comments on popular mixtape site DatPiff being positive, [10] as well as receiving promotional space on the main page of DatPiff, and peaking at number five on the most downloaded chart on its first day of release [11] and drawing comparisons to Aaliyah and Mýa via fans on social networking site Twitter. [12]

MuuMuse.com commented on her growth in this mixtape since her past mixtapes saying "like her past two free offerings 2012′s In Case We Die and Reverie — Black Water plays host to plenty of sensual vocals, downtempo beats and murky, The Weeknd-leaning mood music for your listening enjoyment past the midnight hour." [1]

Fact Magazine criticized her vocals falling flat at times saying "The biggest knock on Tinashe has been a voice that often falters at higher registers and tends to get too breathy: that problem is particularly noticeable on the Inc.-produced ‘Middle of Nowhere’, and she's practically whispering on closer ‘Ain’t Ready’. Yet, when she balances the breathiness with something more concrete, it pays off. She explores her full range on ‘Black Water’, knowing when to give a light touch to a melody reminiscent of 90s R&B." [13]

Track listing

Credits adapted from ASCAP and BMI. [14]

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Black Water"2:56
2."Before the Storm (Interlude)"KachingweTinashe0:23
3."Vulnerable" (featuring Travis Scott)3:26
4."Secret Weapon"KachingweOsinachi3:10
5."Video Tapes (Interlude)"KachingweTinashe0:39
6."Midnight Sun"4:32
7."1 for Me"
Hemsworth3:28
8."Daybreak (Interlude)"KachingweTinashe0:34
9."Fugitive"
Dev Hynes 2:14
10."Stunt"
3:35
11."Just a Taste"Kachingwe
  • J. Oliver
  • Mizfitz Soundz
3:17
12."Middle of Nowhere"
  • Kachingwe
  • Andrew McKay
  • Christoper McKay
Inc3:12
13."Ain't Ready..."KachingweLegacy (New Boyz)1:32
Total length:33:04
Sampling credits

Release history

RegionDateFormat Label
WorldwideNovember 21, 2013 Digital Download MBE Records

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinashe</span> American singer (born 1993)

Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California as a child, where she pursued work in entertainment. Her notable roles include a motion-capture model in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009).

<i>The Warm Up</i> 2009 mixtape by J. Cole

The Warm Up is the second official mixtape from Fayetteville, North Carolina rapper J. Cole. It was released on June 15, 2009. J. Cole produced the majority of the mixtape with help from Elite, and Syience. The mixtape has been viewed over 3,100,000 times, streamed over 451,000 times, and downloaded over 700,000 times on DatPiff. The mixtape went Double Platinum on DatPiff.

<i>Best Day Ever</i> (mixtape) 2011 mixtape by Mac Miller

Best Day Ever is the fifth mixtape by American rapper Mac Miller. It was released by Rostrum Records on March 11, 2011, as the follow-up to Miller's acclaimed mixtape K.I.D.S. (2010). The mixtape consists of sixteen songs produced by nine producers, and includes features from rappers Wiz Khalifa and Phonte.

<i>K.I.D.S.</i> 2010 mixtape by Mac Miller

K.I.D.S. is the fourth mixtape by American rapper Mac Miller. It was released by Rostrum Records on August 13, 2010, through DatPiff. The title is a reference to the 1995 drama film Kids, which is quoted throughout the mixtape. It was later commercially released on April 29, 2020. A deluxe version was released on its 10th anniversary and includes two new tracks.

<i>In Case We Die</i> (Tinashe album) 2012 mixtape by Tinashe

In Case We Die is the debut mixtape by American recording artist Tinashe, first released on February 1, 2012 via her official website. The mixtape was released following a four-year stint as lead singer of girl group The Stunners and her array of non-album singles, including a collaboration with producers OFM, "Artificial People", in 2011.

<i>Macadelic</i> 2012 mixtape by Mac Miller

Macadelic is the seventh mixtape by American rapper Mac Miller. It was released online via free digital download on March 23, 2012. It includes the hit single "Loud". Miller went on The Macadelic Tour in support of the mixtape in early 2012, performing 18 shows in the United States and 3 in Europe. Since its release, it has been downloaded over 1.3 million times and streamed over 1.5 million times from its official host, DatPiff. Macadelic was remastered and commercially released on May 4, 2018.

<i>Detroit</i> (mixtape) 2012 mixtape by Big Sean

Detroit is the fourth mixtape by American rapper Big Sean. It was released for free download on September 5, 2012, by G.O.O.D. Music. Detroit features guest appearances from these fellow rappers such as J. Cole, Juicy J, King Chip, French Montana, Royce da 5'9", Kendrick Lamar and Tyga - along with track narrations by Common, Young Jeezy and Snoop Lion. Wale and Wiz Khalifa are also featured in the bonus tracks. American singers including Chris Brown, Jhené Aiko, James Fauntleroy and Mike Posner also make guest appearances on the mixtape. Production is by Hit-Boy, Da Internz, 808 Mafia's own producers Lex Luger and Southside and KeY Wane, among others. The mixtape primarily consisted of these completed original songs.

<i>Reverie</i> (Tinashe album) 2012 mixtape by Tinashe

Reverie is the second mixtape by American recording artist Tinashe, first released September 6, 2012 via her official website. The mixtape followed the release of her debut mixtape In Case We Die which came after a four-year stint as lead singer of dance-pop group The Stunners and her array of non-album singles, including a collaboration with producers OFM, "Artificial People", in 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sonny Digital</span> American record producer, rapper, and DJ

Sonny Corey Uwaezuoke, better known by his stage name Sonny Digital, is an American record producer, rapper, and DJ. He rose to prominence after producing YC's hit single "Racks" in 2011. He is best known for his production on ILoveMakonnen's "I Dont Sell Molly No More" and "Tuesday" featuring Drake, Future's single "Same Damn Time", 50 Cent's "I'm the Man" and 2 Chainz's "Birthday Song", as well as the XXL Freshman Cyphers for 2017 and 2018. He has worked with multiple hip-hop artists, such as Future, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, Drake, Chief Keef, 50 Cent, and more.

<i>TrapGold</i> 2012 mixtape by Iggy Azalea

TrapGold is the second mixtape by Australian rapper Iggy Azalea, who released it as a free digital download on 11 October 2012. American DJ and music producer Diplo and 1st Down of FKi executive produced the project, along with Azalea and Stix serving as co-executive producers. It also features a guest appearance from Juicy J and samples interviews from Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, David LaChapelle and Reiner Opoku.

<i>RockaByeBaby</i> 2013 mixtape by Cassie

RockaByeBaby is the first mixtape by American singer Cassie, released on April 11, 2013, by Bad Boy Records. It was her first full-length project released since her self-titled debut studio album Cassie (2006). Following the premiere of the track "King of Hearts" in February 2012, which was initially announced as the lead single from her upcoming second studio album, Cassie announced that she would be releasing a mixtape. The mixtape's concept is based on the 1991 film New Jack City.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jahlil Beats</span> American record producer

Orlando Jahlil Tucker, better known by his stage name Jahlil Beats, is an American hip hop producer. He is currently signed to Jay Z's Roc Nation. He has produced for artists such as Puff Daddy, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Tyga, Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Bobby Shmurda, T.I., and 50 Cent among others.

Kevin Erondu, better known as K.E. on the Track, is an American record producer.

<i>Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever</i> 2013 mixtape by Logic

Young Sinatra: Welcome to Forever is the fourth mixtape by American rapper Logic. It was released as a free online download by Visionary on May 7, 2013 and is the third installment in the Young Sinatra series, following Young Sinatra and Young Sinatra: Undeniable. The mixtape was downloaded over 100,000 times on DatPiff in less than a day and has garnered over 1,000,000 downloads on DatPiff since its release. This project was followed by Logic's fourth studio album YSIV , with the latter not being credited as a mixtape.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">2 On</span> 2014 single by Tinashe featuring Schoolboy Q

"2 On" is the debut single by American singer Tinashe for her debut studio album Aquarius (2014). The song features a guest verse from American rapper Schoolboy Q. Both artists wrote the song with Bobby Brackins, and features production from DJ Mustard, Jon Redwine, and DJ Marley Waters, who are also credited as songwriters. It features a sample from the 2005 single "We Be Burnin'" by Jamaican recording artist Sean Paul, resulting in writing credits for Cezar Cunningham, Sean Paul, Steven Marsden, Delano Thomas, Michael Jarrett, and Craig Serani Marsh. "2 On" was released as Tinashe's commercial debut single from Aquarius on January 21, 2014 and was sent to US rhythmic contemporary, urban contemporary on March 18, 2014, and to contemporary hit radio on July 30, 2014.

<i>Aquarius</i> (Tinashe album) 2014 studio album by Tinashe

Aquarius is the debut studio album by American singer Tinashe, released on October 3, 2014, by RCA Records. In 2011, after the disbandment of the girl group The Stunners, Tinashe announced that she would begin pursuing a solo career. The following year she released her debut mixtape In Case We Die. After raising her profile with the mixtape, Tinashe met with RCA Records where she subsequently signed a recording contract. Following her signing a record deal, Tinashe immediately began working on the album. During the recording process for the debut album, she released two other mixtapes, Reverie (2012) and Black Water (2013).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tink (musician)</span> American rapper and singer

Trinity Laure'Ale Home , better known by her stage name Tink, is an American rapper and singer from the Chicago area in Illinois. She is best known for the single "Treat Me Like Somebody" and for the collaboration with singer and producer Jeremih on "Don't Tell Nobody". Since 2012, she has released seven mixtapes and has gone independent due to label issues regarding the release of her debut album. Her 2014 mixtape, Winter's Diary 2: Forever Yours, was featured as a top 10 R&B album in both Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Philly Swain</span> American rapper

Darin Swain, better known by his stage name "Philly Swain", is an American hip hop songwriter, artist, and producer from southwest Philadelphia. In 2016, Swain released his first studio album, A Change 4 the Better.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Die a Little Bit</span> 2019 single by Tinashe

"Die a Little Bit" is a song recorded by American singer Tinashe featuring guest vocals from British rapper Ms Banks. It was produced by Trackside and written by Ms Banks, Rook Monroe and Tinashe. It was released commercially for digital download and streaming via Tinashe's new independent label, Tinashe Music Inc. on October 24, 2019, as the first single from Tinashe's fourth studio album, Songs for You.

<i>Summer on Sunset</i> 2016 mixtape by Wale

Summer on Sunset is a mixtape by American rapper Wale. It was released on June 17, 2016, by Every Blue Moon and Maybach Music Group, on DatPiff for free. The mixtape features guest appearances from Raheem DeVaughn, Ty Dolla Sign, Tha Dogg Pound, Cam'ron, Phil Adé, Jazz Cartier, Victoria Monét, Jim Ross and Eric Bellinger. The production on the mixtape was handled by several producers, including DJ Mustard, Nez & Rio, Marcè Reazon, Lee Major, DJ Chose and Jake One, among others. Summer on Sunset was released as a prelude to his fifth studio album, Shine, which was released on April 28, 2017, nine months prior. Plus, the mixtape was also hosted by DMV native DJ Quicksilva.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Required Listening: Tinashe, 'Black Water' (Mixtape)". MuuMuse. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  2. "Fear Not - YouTube". YouTube . Retrieved 15 October 2018.
  3. "Tinashe - Black Water". DJBooth.net. 26 November 2013. Archived from the original on 10 August 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  4. "LozzaMusic.com - Tinashe Interview". LozzaMusic. 2011-12-20. Archived from the original on 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2011-12-21.
  5. 1 2 "Tinashe – 19-Year Old Singing Sensation – to Release her Sophomore Mixtape, 'Reverie', September 6, 2012". 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  6. "New mixtape coming... on Facebook". 2012-08-05. Retrieved 2012-08-07.
  7. "Fear Not: Tinashe Reveals "Reverie" Mixtape Trailer". 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2012-08-14.
  8. ""My new mixtape cover #Reverie (Coming soon)" on Facebook". 2012-08-13. Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  9. Tinashe Interview - Talks "Black Water" Mixtape, Eeriness in Her Music & Debut Album - YouTube
  10. "Tinashe - Reverie / / Free Mixtape @ DatPiff.com". 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  11. "DatPiff :: The Authority in Free Mixtapes". 2012-09-06. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  12. "Twitter / MuuMuse: @_DenverSean Yeah for sure..." 2012-08-28. Retrieved 2012-09-06.
  13. "The Week's Best Mixtapes and Free Mixes, November 29 2013". Factmag.com. Retrieved 19 September 2014.