Being the main focus of a major label can be a lot of pressure for a young artist. It might have been the case for Tinashe, who signed a seven-year deal with SONY/BMG in 2012. After producing her first mixtape, she quickly released her successful debut album Aquarius in 2014. Unfortunately, the record label didn’t seem to find exactly how to promote her music. She released a couple of mixtapes (without the label’s approval), and promotion from Sony went out the window when she released Joyride in 2017. Now free from her contract, she decided to make music on her terms.

Her first official independent release came in early 2020. The album was titled Songs for You; the album garnered rave reviews and landed on many year-end best-of lists. Now, more confident than ever, Tinashe releases 333, another strong set of self-produced high-end R&B tracks. Let Go and I Can See the Future kickstart the new album with a pair of experimental tracks. She always pushes her limits; she carries on with lead single Bouncin, a mid-tempo jam. As always, there are some special guests on offer. Jeremih cameos on X, electro-pop sensation Kaytranada guests on Unconditional, Wax Motif tags along with on Undo, Buddy raps on second single Pasadena, one of the best tracks on the album, and Kaash Paige duets on Angels.

For Tinashe, 333 is a real winner. This album could be the payoff she has been waiting for since the beginning of her career.