Hailing from New York, Yaya Bey is an R&B artist celebrated for her raw, emotionally resonant storytelling and a genre-blending sound that draws from soul, jazz, hip-hop, and house. As the daughter of hip-hop legend Grand Daddy I.U., her music reflects both a deep-rooted connection to musical history and a personal journey of growth and self-discovery.
Bey just dropped her new 18-track album do it afraid, and as the title suggests, it’s a call to buckle up and chase your dreams—because the only thing standing in your way is you.
The album kicks off with “wake up b*tch,” a track that balances contrast in a cool, calm, and collected way. The keys are soft and soulful, but it’s Yaya Bey’s lyrical delivery that steals the show.
The refrain, “what are you afraid of,” repeats like a mantra, urging the listener to reflect. It’s a powerful opener that sets the tone for everything that follows.
Next up is “end of the world,” featuring Nigel Hall & Butcher Brown. It leans fully into soul, showcasing Bey’s signature low register as she belts each lyric with weight and purpose. Her expression cuts deep, especially when she sings: “our love may be the key, the very thing we need, to hold on a little while longer, a little bit stronger.”
Then there’s “cindy rella,” where her rap flow takes center stage—and honestly, it’s where she shines. Her voice is raspy yet sharp, expressive but never overreaching. The Rhodes-style keys are hypnotic, blending perfectly into the laid-back beat. Bey has a way of pulling back just enough to let the groove speak, never forcing the moment.
One of the standout singles, “raisins,” is an instant classic. It’s all about growth—how dreams matter and how nurturing them brings them to life. It’s catchy, heartfelt, and layered with meaning.
Fast forward to “dream girl,” and you’re in Daft Punk–adjacent funk-soul territory. It’s got roller rink energy—retro, bright, and made for summer. The second it kicks in, it’s hard not to sway. Bey’s vocal harmonies melt right into the groove, and the melody drives the whole thing forward.
Musically, the keys on “Breakthrough” pulse throughout the track, laying a solid foundation for Bey to play and rap freely. As the title suggests, it is a breakthrough—gritty and energetic, with a switch-up at the 1:30 mark that introduces a clever rewind effect on the keys. It adds texture and momentum, making it impossible not to get pulled in.
Then there’s “a surrender,” one of the most vulnerable and self-aware moments on the album. It opens with a rewinding sound, like turning back time—matching the song’s mood of reflection and release. Bey lets it all out: “I wanna be brave, even if it don’t go my way, thank you, thank you.” It’s raw, tender, and honest, but there’s a thread of quiet resilience woven through it.
A personal favorite is “aye noche” featuring Rahrah Gabor and Exaktly—an ideal pre-game track that blends house, chill-hop, and soul into a vibrant, party-ready groove. It’s playful, polished, and made for that moment when you’re feeling yourself before heading out.
The album closes with “choice,” a song that circles back to vulnerability and faith. Bey sings, “I’m mad at God but I still choose to trust him anyways,” capturing that complicated, messy, beautiful middle ground of holding doubt and belief at once. It’s a fitting close to a record that reminds you: do it scared, but do it. You’ll regret it if you don’t. You have no choice but to go after what’s calling you—because the time will pass either way.
The overall sentiment of do it afraid is deep, reflective, and intensely relatable—no matter what stage of life you’re in.
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