Tinashe isn’t one to shy away from the uncertainties of life—or the ever-changing tides of the music industry. Instead, she dives headfirst into them, turning unpredictability into her strength. Her cheeky, innuendo-laden hit “Nasty” is a testament to this fearless approach, making its success all the sweeter.
“You never know when a hit’s going to land. It’s unpredictable,” Tinashe reflects on the track, which reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and soared to No. 2 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. “It’s been an incredible blessing, and I’m just over the moon about it.”
Quantum Baby and Tinashe’s vide
As the lead single from her upcoming album, “Quantum Baby” which drops this Friday, “Nasty” gained momentum after a viral social media mashup. The track caught the attention of legends like Beyoncé and Janet Jackson, along with shoutouts from Christina Aguilera, Anitta, and more. Her iconic line, “match my freak,” has since become a pop culture catchphrase.
“Quantum Baby,” Tinashe’s seventh studio album, is the second installment in a three-part trilogy. The title nods to quantum physics, inviting fans to explore her personal universe at its most fundamental, molecular level. “I’ve been fortunate since going independent to focus entirely on my creative vision. Over the last three albums, I’ve really refined that process,” she shares. “This second part of the trilogy is about delving deeper into who I am.”
Fantastic collaboration and Tinashe’s hits.
The eight-track project, clocking in at just over 22 minutes, features production from Nosaj Thing, Ricky Reed, and SDtroy, with Tinashe penning every song. Known for her genre-blending style—merging R&B, pop, dance, and electronic elements with precision choreography—Tinashe made her debut in 2014 with “Aquarius,” her highest-charting album. Despite not replicating that level of success and navigating the uncertainty of musical limbo, she chose to part ways with RCA’s major label machine, opting instead to chart her own course, buoyed by a loyal fanbase.
“When I started out, I was young and inexperienced. I’ve gained so much—especially self-confidence,” Tinashe explains. “In male-dominated spaces, you often find yourself as the only woman in the room, working with producers who’ve made hit after hit. You don’t want to tell them what to do—and they probably won’t listen anyway. But now, I have a much clearer sense of my vision and how to direct it.”
Recorded in her home studio, “Quantum Baby” features sultry, trap-soul tracks like “Thirsty” and the vibey “Getting No Sleep,” reminiscent of Kaytranada. The album opens with “No Simulation,” where she harmonizes, “We’re all looking for something/where are we going/what do we do?”
“At this point in my life, I’m seeking great experiences and peace of mind,” she says. “I’m no longer forcing anything—just letting things flow naturally.”
Although Tinashe has collaborated with platinum-selling artists like Britney Spears, Chris Brown, Future, and Nick Jonas, she’s no longer chasing big features or top-tier producer placements to climb the charts. “’2 On’ was my debut single, and it set a high bar. There was always this pressure of ‘Can we top this?’ That was at the forefront of my mind when creating records,” she recalls of her Schoolboy Q-assisted track, which peaked at No. 24 on the Billboard Hot 100. “But I’ve made better music since I stopped worrying about char performance. Now, I just focus on my instincts and create something that feels right to me.”
Freedom fosters excellence
So, what brings Tinashe the most satisfaction now? It’s the freedom from creative constraints and industry politics. Her trendsetting style and fashion-forward eye have made her a fixture at fashion shows and red-carpet events, and she’s expressed a desire to return to acting. In October, she’ll embark on her 23-date Match My Freak world tour, produced by Live Nation, to promote her music.
The “All Hands on Deck” artist has successfully steered her career through the stormy seas of the music industry, and she’s content with the outcome—as long as she’s in control. “Finding contentment in yourself and your art is crucial for any musician. The music industry is so volatile… I found my freedom when I stopped setting expectations for myself,” she says. “Success, for me now, is just creating timeless art that I love.”
