Ghanaian-American artist Amaarae shared the lead single off her forthcoming ‘Black Star’ album, a horny and physical jam dubbed “S.M.O”.
The track, “S.M.O” which stands for Slut Me Out has all sorts of intricately layered influences, but it just sounds like a sleek, sleazy, pretty great pop song . Here’s what Amaarae says about it: “For as long as I’ve made music, fusion has been my strength, and I think this comes to full fruition on “S.M.O.” The song takes inspiration from Ghanaian 80’s highlife trailblazer Ata Kak and blends it with a mean Detroit club bass, a drum roll akin to both Magic System’s “1er Gaou” & Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You,” and an infectious zouk melody that sounds like a steel pan lipsing an evil synth. I feel like the new Donna Summer mixed with Control-era Janet, and the song pretty much speaks for itself. Like “Pleasure Principle” or “Love To Love You Baby,” I don’t know how much clearer one can get when they ask you to “SLUT ME OUT.” The message can’t be mistaken, and the beat makes you move. That’s all I want to do this summer, make people dance & feel things!”
Director Omar Jones filmed the striking “S.M.O” video in Ghana.
Watch the video and share your thoughts below!