Lafa Taylor + Aabo are sorta like a dream team when it comes to this whole electronice-R&B hip-hop fusion that's been poppin off as of late. The two have numerous collaborations together and they seem to not be planning on stopping any time soon. Today, the West coast based producer/ vocalist duo release the econd single from their forthcoming album, FEEL, titled, "Run To Me" exclusively on EARMILK.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/305441236?secret_token=s-ZjhVI" params="color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false" width="100%" height="166" iframe="true" /]
The track starts with synths oozing through the intro alongside these low-key ambient textures and percussion. Lafa's vocals come in with a solid hook that immediately gets stuck in your head for the rest of the day. It's a brilliant way to reel in the listener with a catchy hook like this while backing it up with boisterous horns and even adding a little jazzy element. The cut sounds like an automatic classic; fusing organic elements with an electronic yet soulful foundation. Both artists decided it was crucial to have a more R&B/Soul/Electro tune on their upcoming album which is more house-flavored. Lafa said, "This song was a cool addition to the album because it’s a departure from the 4-on-the-floor, 120+ tempo of the rest of the songs. It’s got a cool “slow house” vibe and the horns just sit so nicely in the groove." We spoke to both artists on the track specifically and here were their feels on the song they have carefully curated.
"Lafa had the hook bubbling for some time, and I knew that it would pair well with more of R&B and classic hip-hop rhythmic structure. I also felt keen to give it a strong organic element. So I played electric guitar and enlisted horn arrangements, courtesy of EMEFE, the NYC based funk-pop band. Lafa, also being heavily involved with the initial production of the beat, brought a lot of flavor to the melodies and bass line. While writing this record we were really vibing with songwriter/producer, MNEK as well as riffing a bit off "Doo-Wop (That Thing)" By Lauryn Hill." – Aabo"Run to me was written at a point in my life where I had been on some really dull dates and I was longing for that fiery passion of when your chemistry is really strong with a lover. The lyrics were written alongside The Willamette River, in Oregon. We wrote the basis of the beat in my bus Studio which was parked under a freeway overpass in downtown Portland, OR. I remember I had recorded the chorus but then wanted some fresh inspiration for the verse so I let Aabo floss out the beat and I took a walk to the running trail along the river a few blocks away, it was a great change of scenery and got me in the running spirit. For the rap verse I tried to flip the word 'run' as many times as possible, I think I ended up with like 18. My favorite line is: “She said she searching for a home run hitter to have her running home, I said your search is over easy baby, runny yolk"" – LAFA
This is the second single off their forthcoming collaborative album titled FEEL, which will be dropping this Spring, featuring an impressive remix project. Listen to the first single off the album titled, Turn My Music Up and watch the video here.
Connect with Aabo: Soundcloud | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
Connect with Lafa Taylor: Soundcloud | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter