boy meets world
We had the privilege of dedicating time to deeply explore Tru-Lee and Shay on the Beat’s newly released album, “Boy Meets World.” With intention, we actively listened, allowing the music to resonate within our souls.
Boy Meets World,' Tru-Lee embarks on an exhilarating journey into uncharted musical territory, blending R&B, hip-hop, and the pulsating rhythms of house music. Produced by the talented Shay on the Beat, this debut album showcases their exploration of fresh sounds and innovative styles. Each track reveals a new facet of their evolving artistry, making 'Boy Meets World' not just a collection of songs but a bold statement of where their music is headed. This album is only the beginning, offering a captivating preview of the exciting new directions Tru-Lee & Shay will continue to explore.
Track 1: Intro/Best Friend
The nostalgic voicemail welcomes you as soon as the track starts, instantly establishing the song's mood. The melodic and captivating keys draw listeners in with their harmonious chords. Tru’s voice glides effortlessly through the track, characterized by a smooth timbre and rhythm. The clever wordplay and conversational nature resonate with us, as we've all experienced being on either side of the game. The adlibs add a delightful touch of Tru's personality, infused with humor and wit. As the beat shifts, the transition introduces a steady rhythm that invites you to dance and enjoy a little two-step. This song perfectly encapsulates the feeling of trying to escape the friend zone and elevate a connection to the next level. It truly sets the stage for the entire album.
Track 2: Don’t Be Afraid
The intro's knocks are brilliantly crafted, perfectly counterbalancing the bassline's groove. This track instantly makes you want to dance from the very beginning. Tru's singing voice fits seamlessly here, showcasing his authentic sound, even though he isn't a traditional singer. It's refreshing to hear him maintain good pitch during his vocal parts. This is a "feel-good" song that carries hints of influence from Outkast and Anderson Paak. It's not just about the bass, drums, or claps; the storyline resonates deeply, encouraging listeners to break free from complacency. Will you rise to dance or choose to stay in your comfort zone? Why let fear hold you back when you can embrace freedom and let loose?
Track 3:Feelings
"Feelings" is definitely one of my top picks from this album. It radiates good vibes and energizes listeners instantly. The Afrobeat influence is immediately noticeable, and I absolutely love it. This track is pure fun and perfectly captures that summer playlist vibe. The sounds of seagulls and crashing waves add a unique touch that you might not notice right away, but it's my favorite aspect of the song. When I listen, I can easily picture myself in the Caribbean, dancing and swaying my hips as if I'm there. "Feelings" instantly transports me to vacation mode with its catchy melodies and rhythmic beat. The guitar line beautifully enhances the track, creating an effortless flow. Shay on the beat truly created magic with this production.
Track 4: Hurry
The xylophone evokes the familiar melody of "Mr. Sand Man," gradually weaving the beat together. In this track, Tru's vocals shine once again. There's a unique charm in the simplicity of his singing and adlibs that unites the song. The harmonious blend adds an extra layer of flavor. My absolute favorite moment is the breakdown and the spoken interlude. Instinctively, I feel compelled to sway and move my hips until my spine feels loose. The sound of the bongos or congas beautifully ties the rhythm together in that section—it's truly a dance break. The shifts in tempo and mood contribute to making this song the joyous experience it aims to be.
Track 5: Silence
Silence is another favorite on the list. Full transparency, the squeak of the bed springs, distorted vocals, and the sensual progression of the chords float into the intro trapped me in a trance. “Silence” is for the grown and sexy. This is the kind of song you play when you’re feeling good or simply in your feelings. The Jersey bounce influence boosts the song to a fun, flirty type of situation. As soon as the beat drops, you’re going to want to shake it and make it look sexy. This will be added to the self-love anthems of my playlists. Upon hearing this for the first time. It made me smile and appreciate the distinctive themes going on throughout the song. It is truly through Silence that you achieve the peaceful serene sensation of turning the outer noises off.
Track 6: Ain’t Nothing Like It
This track is quite entertaining. It evokes memories of a young Pharrell and the Neptunes, infused with house-style beats. I can easily imagine this playing during a fashion show. The rapid tempo and the piercing sound of the “Kill Bill” sampled siren enhance the overall experience. As the song progresses, it smoothly transitions into a realm reminiscent of Tyler, The Creator with its dark essence. Tru’s voice glides effortlessly alongside the beat. My favorite part is the horn line, which elegantly caresses your ears, while the subtle nuances in Tru’s voice and ad-libs add depth to the track. Just when you start to feel at ease, the song circles back to its original theme, “Ain’t Nothing Like It.”
Track 7: Mesquite
Mesquite is gradually becoming a favorite. The strings elegantly set the mood, allowing Tru’s vocals to soar and showcase his singing abilities. He has a unique way of making it work for him. The vocal performance is one of the most intriguing aspects of this album. It may not be flawless, but it fits perfectly with each element. As the beat drops and the altered voice fills the track, you instantly recognize the vibe. I adore a song that makes me want to dance a little. This is a hidden treasure that deserves to be uncovered. Towards the end of the song, a wave of nostalgia sweeps in, transporting you back to the late '90s and early 2000s, dancing and grooving in the club.
Track 8: Her World
The strings once again establish the foundation for the song's introduction. I admire how Tru’s vocals convey his desire to exist within his muse's world, offering her anything she wishes. The urgency and longing in his singing are both palpable and appreciated. The sultry tones and looping strings create an ideal atmosphere for indulging in thoughts of pure satisfaction. Corbin Butler’s feature adds another dimension to the track, with his clever punchlines and wordplay seamlessly blending to create a cohesive artistic experience.
Track 9: Body
“Body” has officially secured a spot on the favorites list. Its infectious rhythms paired with looped piano chords set the perfect backdrop for Tru’s voice, which adds a captivating touch to the track. This song is celebrated for its simplicity—nothing more is required when an instant vibe is established. If you don't feel the urge to move right away, we must be hearing different music.
Track 10: Now & Later
This track instantly took me back to the exhilarating feeling of having a crush in high school. I adore the clever reference to the candy "Now & Later." Tru and Shay have crafted an impressive approach here. The instrumentation evokes a soothing yet nostalgic sensation, capturing the emotions of longing for that special someone. Like the candy itself, this song is brief yet delightful, delivering just enough to convey its message effectively.
Track 11: Yourself
I don’t mean to draw comparisons, but this track definitely carries an Anderson .Paak vibe. Still, Tru stands out on his own. The elements are striking and infectious—the adlibs, shakers, and the overall message. I also noticed a subtle reference to the Black Eyed Peas with the “Running” section, which I really appreciate. This song would fit perfectly in a show like “Insecure” or even in a commercial. Its vibrant energy and feel-good essence are hard to resist. The powerful messages of “don’t lose yourself” and “be yourself, go all in” resonate deeply, allowing listeners to carry them into their daily lives. This is truly an anthem that celebrates self-worth.
Track 12: Electric Lady
The introduction instantly evokes a sense of familiarity, taking us back to the Neo-Soul era when it made its debut. The opening line brought a smile to my face as I appreciated its cleverness. “I heard you got that shit that keeps the lights on”. The lyrics are undeniably clever and sharp. Tru has demonstrated in his other tracks that attentive listening is key to grasping the complete narrative. His punchlines are both refreshing and consistently impressive in every line he delivers. Moving on to the sample, it introduces an additional rich layer to the track. This element captures the genuine essence of the Neo-Soul genre, bringing the song's message full circle. The featured artist blends seamlessly with this soulful, classic tune. This a tune you can play for the mommas and aunties.
Track 13: Love Never Fades
“Love Never Fails” opens with gentle chords that set the stage for the unfolding story. The featured vocals complement the music beautifully, creating a perfect match. This song resonates with anyone who has fondly reflected on a past relationship that didn’t quite work out. Regardless of time, those emotions and love for the one who captured your heart never truly vanish. This track beautifully contributes to the soundtrack of revisiting your feelings and memories of love that has slipped away.
Track 14: Stuck On You
The team has delivered another incredible hit! I adore how effortlessly catchy the hook is; it sticks in your mind with ease. The song's simplicity perfectly captures the emotions you experience when you want someone to understand just how captivated you are by them. With its relaxed tone, this track beautifully embodies that feeling of being stuck.
Track 15: When Your Ready
The true jazz lover appreciates the captivating horn section that sets the stage, perfectly harmonized by Tru's vocals. The blend is enchanting, enhanced by its effects. Tru's performance flows effortlessly, with a therapeutic quality to his tone and inflections that evoke the essence of a Kendrick project. He is the master of talking his shit and emoting just what he said. This track beautifully concludes the boy's journey as he embraces his transformation into manhood.
