Tinashe is once again on the cusp of a major breakthrough in her career. It's hard to believe that it has been a decade since she made her first mark on the Billboard Hot 100 with her debut single, “2 On.” Following that initial success, she released her much-anticipated debut album, *Aquarius*, in 2014. Over the years, she faced a tumultuous label conflict but emerged with the critically underrated masterpiece, *Joyride*. After transitioning to an independent artist, she released two more albums, and now she’s back with a third, *Quantum Baby*. This latest project arrives as Tinashe experiences a surge in viral fame, largely driven by her hit single “Nasty,” which has taken TikTok by storm. While she may be a fresh discovery for some listeners, Tinashe's dedication to her craft has remained unwavering throughout her journey.
*Quantum Baby* is a sultry amalgamation of pop and R&B, infused with distinct influences from Janet Jackson. The album is filled with seductive tracks and empowering anthems, ranging from the subtly frenetic “Getting No Sleep” to the exuberant “No Broke Boys.” Although the album releases as summer draws to a close, Tinashe ensures that the bold “Nasty” attitude is one that we can carry with us well into the fall. Two editors share their insights and experiences with Tinashe’s latest release.
The Tinashessance
Erica: What has your relationship or exposure to Tinashe been like until now? She has been at this for quite a while.
Sam: Surprisingly, I haven’t been a regular listener of Tinashe. I’ve checked out a few of her albums and thought they were fantastic, but she never quite made it to the top of my pop or R&B playlists. My first real moment with her came through “Nasty.” It was a revelation, and I realized I needed to explore her back catalog. Listening to this new album was an eye-opener; I found it intriguing, though some tracks sounded similar to each other. Still, it’s an exciting project overall. Often, songs that blow up on TikTok can feel overplayed really quickly, but “Nasty” hasn’t given me that vibe at all.
Erica: This album prompted me to dive back into Tinashe’s earlier work, and I remembered how much I loved certain songs. I revisited tracks from *Joyride*, which I highly recommend, as well as songs from her 2021 album *333*. I’ve also been obsessed with “Treason,” the opening track from last year’s *BB/Ang3l*. It's fascinating to see Tinashe as a constant presence in my music library, and now, with this new resurgence, it feels like a fresh wave—a new Tinashe Renaissance.
Sam: We could call it the Tinashessance!
Erica: And let’s not forget her remix of “Jealous” by Nick Jonas! “Nick J, Tinashe, it’s the remix.”
Sam: Absolutely! That remix is fantastic.
Erica: I was excited to dive into this album, although I was surprised it only has eight tracks. Usually, we discuss how albums tend to feel too long, but this one almost felt too short.
Sam: I found myself tapping through the album looking for more. It felt like an EP in length.
Erica: Exactly. I could easily envision it as the first installment in a series—like *Quantum Baby 1, 2, 3…* But overall, I was impressed. While it shares elements with her previous albums, there are touches that feel more contemporary. I noticed some hyper-pop elements reminiscent of PinkPantheress, and the atmospheric vibe was really cool. I’m still not over “Nasty,” and I’ve warmed up significantly to the second single.
Sam: This album features what I like to call “beep-boop tracks.” These songs have little details and nuances that just resonate with me.
For instance, I love Taylor Swift’s “Mastermind”—while they’re not the same song, they both have those charming little trills that I can’t get enough of. In “Getting No Sleep,” I felt a sense of anxious energy from the beat.
Erica: That anxiety-inducing effect is very effective. In her interview with *The Cut*, Tinashe mentioned that Janet Jackson’s song “Empty” inspired this album, which makes sense since that track is a blueprint for what I call “beep-boop songs.” It’s incredible how Tinashe is following Janet’s lead not only as a singer and dancer but also through sound. The album captures that same sparse, twinkling, celestial essence.
Sam: I’d describe many moments on this album as “planetarium pop.” It feels like there’s an otherworldly quality woven throughout. Overall, the album feels cohesive.
“No Broke Boys”
Erica and Sam: [scream in unison]
Sam: No shade to record labels, but I find it tedious to log into an album stream, inputting passwords and then navigating back. However, I’ve done that five or six times just to listen to “No Broke Boys.” It’s incredible!
I envision it being played in clubs everywhere. If it isn’t, DJs need to step up their game. Honestly, I want it played at my wedding to a man who owns a yacht. Her line “Now I got standards” hit home for me. It felt very “brat summer”—a declaration of putting myself first. I was completely transported while listening.
Erica: I can definitely see it becoming a popular TikTok sound. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to belt it out with your friends. It’s a quintessential anthem for single girls. Plus, it’s a bold move to release this at summer's end because Tinashe is signaling, “We’re not finished yet.”
Sam: As someone who has embraced a bratty summer, having kissed quite a few boys this season, I want to keep that energy flowing. And with Tinashe going on tour, alongside Charli XCX and Troye Sivan, the excitement is palpable.
Erica: It’s going to be a nasty fall!
Erica and Sam: [in unison] It’s going to be a nasty fall!
Sam: I need that phrase on a T-shirt.
Tinashe’s Many Lives
Sam: I’m looking at her bio, and I just realized that in 2019, Tinashe performed the lead role of Mimi Marquez in the Fox Television special *Rent: LIVE*. I totally forgot about that!
Erica: Seriously, this woman has lived so many lives. She started as a child actress and even lent her voice to a character in *Avatar: The Last Airbender*.
Sam: Right now, we’re witnessing a trend where many artists are experiencing a second act, and it’s incredibly exciting. They’re finally getting the recognition they deserve, or perhaps they received it in the past and are now reclaiming it. I think of Charli XCX and her resurgence with “Boom Clap.” True Charli fans have stood by her side through everything, and now she’s eclipsing her earlier success. Tinashe is on a similar trajectory.
Erica: It’s been ten years since *Aquarius* was released, and she went independent shortly after. That level of perseverance and resilience is impressive.
“Cross That Line”
Erica: Lyrically, “Cross That Line” reminds me a bit of “I Think About It All The Time.” In it, she sings, “I can see a family, baby in the backseat,” and “I don’t want to run out of time; you could be the love of my life. I’m ready to cross that line.” It’s fascinating to see an artist reflect on her timeline, her life, and her choices through the lens of pop music.
In Her Own Lane
Sam: I genuinely enjoyed this album and plan to hit play again once it releases. “No Broke Boys” is definitely making its way onto many of my playlists.
Erica: Tinashe is truly carving her own path. She’s mentioned how she prioritizes making interesting art over chasing mainstream success. She doesn’t even expect nominations for the VMAs anymore. She’s aware of where she stands in this music landscape, and she’s completely okay with that. She knows her fans support her, and that’s what matters most to her as she continues to push herself creatively.
Sam: In this current climate, many musicians are embracing the idea of making music for themselves. They’re focusing on what they care about, whether or not it resonates with the wider audience.
Erica: This album served as a reminder to me—and I hope it will for many others—of Tinashe’s greatness and the depth of her artistry. She has such an expansive discography, and I hope this is merely a starting point.
Sam: Beyond just reminding her existing fans, I hope it also attracts new listeners to her music.