MIH-TY

In interviews leading up to the release of MIH-TY, Jeremih and Ty Dolla $ign were nonchalant about the origins of the album. Apparently, they’d spent so much time bouncing ideas off each other at LA-via-Chicago producer Hitmaka’s recording studio that before they knew it, there were enough songs for an entire project. Inspiration came easy and, oftentimes, from music they’d both long enjoyed: Lead single “The Light” is built off the unmistakable bassline from Mary Jane Girls’ “All Night Long.” “Tonight,” featuring French Montana, is a reinterpretation of The Notorious B.I.G.’s ode to thug passion, “F*ck You Tonight.” The intro to “New Level” is Sisqo singing the chorus to Dru Hill’s “In My Bed,” before his wails are screwed down (and also sped up) to bleed into the production.

MIH-TY is more than throwbacks though. Jeremih and Dolla $ign do well together what they have always done spectacularly apart. And to that very end, much of the album sounds like seasoned riffing, each verse inspired by the one that precedes it. With “Take Your Time” and “These Days,” the pair sing about how they want to be treated by a partner and, alternately, how a partner should interpret the way she is treated, offering unique and complementary perspectives on modern-day courtship. The appreciation the pair have for each other is audible, Ty Dolla $ign and Jeremih clearly excited to share the spotlight.