Released: 2024
“Nasty” by Tinashe is a provocative and empowering anthem, celebrating unabashed sexuality and independence. In this bold track, the artist proudly expresses her desires while setting the standards high for any potential partner, saying they must ‘match her freak’. The lyrical concept explores the line between pleasure and pain in intense relationships, and the fear of getting attached when the pleasure is too overwhelming.
Starting with the repeated refrain “I been a nasty girl”, Tinashe embraces her edgy, unapologetic persona. The term “nasty” here is used in a provocative, empowering context, suggesting an embrace of her bold, sexual side. Her repetitive query, “Is somebody gonna match my freak? Is somebody gonna match my nasty?” is a daring challenge — she’s setting the bar and looking for someone who can meet her level of intensity — both emotionally and physically.
In the line “I got stamina, they say I’m an athlete,” Tinashe uses athlete metaphorically, referring to her prowess and endurance, potentially both on and off the stage. The verse “Pillow talking got my throat raspy” is a cheeky nod to intimate late-night conversations that ruin her voice.
The pre-chorus captures Tinashe’s internal conflict, where she expresses fear of attachment if the pleasure is too good — “If you do it too good, I’m gonna get attached”. The phrase “it feels like heaven when it hurts so bad” unfolds the dichotomy of intense relationships that bring immense pleasure but can also cause emotional pain.
The verses in-between the refrains paint scenarios of Tinashe as the dominant partner in the relationship. “Big time, pull up, make a scene” narrates a picture of her as the life of the party, while “Shotgun, my thighs on the seat — I ain’t got nothing underneath” is a provocative tease emphasizing her control over her sexual expression. The lines “Looks like, I’m ’bout to change your life, Wife type, he’s staying for the week — So I might just let him pay the lease” imply that any partner lucky enough to be with Tinashe should be prepared for a life-altering experience.
All in all, “Nasty” is an unapologetic expression of female sexual empowerment. Tinashe cleverly celebrates her desires, her ability to control the narrative of her intimate relationships, and the balance of pleasure in emotional vulnerability.
