SONG REVIEW: ESSENCE NATAY’S “HANDLE ME” IS ALT-R&B GOLD FOR YOUR PLAYLIST.

Essence Natay 

“Handle Me” 

“Handle Me”, is a new alternative R&B single by American singer and songwriter—Essence Natay. “Handle Me” oozes with so much self-assurance, so much bluntness and directness. Essence Natay’s musical catalogue is known for sensuality, emotive storytelling, groovy choruses, poignant and relatable lyrics. Seamlessly, her songs dwell on the themes of knotty relationships, lusty desires, love, inner-conflicts, deep reflections and empowerment.

My earpiece is plugged in and I've got a lush glass-bowl of yoghurt parfait in front of me. I just hit play, let’s dig in.—Yummy!

Firstly, let’s pause for a while to acknowledge the beauty of the cover art. I love how vibrant, catchy and orange it is. Essence Natay is emitting 100 degrees sexiness. Can you handle the heat?. 

The whole mood of the cover art is giving me an idea of what to expect in “Handle Me”, but I’m not driving to conclusions now. Let me Listen!

Lovely start. Wow, I love the keys. The beat is dripping with soul and the bounce is a bit subtle now. Essence Natay just entered. I love how great she sounds. “All I ever wanted was just simple / never asked for too much / Just that you’d give a fuck ‘bout how I feel / You know how I feel.”, she sings in a low, but emotive voice. Is this a breakup song?. It seems Essence finds herself in a relationship with a guy who doesn’t pay attention to her feelings and well-being. We all know how it feels; when your partner doesn’t acknowledge your thoughts, opinions and feelings.—huge recipe for disaster or breakup. 

Essence doesn’t sound sad. She’s in control and calling the shots here. The lyrics are confrontational and I’m loving it. Essence is free flowing on the beat, vocally. Not bad at all, I’m hooked now. I’m head-bobbing presently, Lord!, the solid bass-line just dropped and I’m here for it. Who cooked up this beat?. The beat is  tastier than my yogurt parfait. 

“You use your words way too loosely / give it all for the coochie”, this lines are way too revealing. The guy in question in this relationship is clearly in for the sexual entanglement. Although Essence reminisces about the sexual pleasures they shared, she wants a deeper union.—A more fulfilling and encompassing relationship. So she’s walking away from this toxic relationship with her head held high. 

The chorus is addictive and easy to sing-along to. I’m pretty sure this tune will stick in my head for days. I’m head-bobbing  towards verse two of the track. The beat flows like phlegethon, her vocal delivery is consistent and the lyrics pierces my heart like daggers. The message is clear.

“all I ever want was a homie / someone to kick it with / somebody that’s gone hold me down.” I love this sentiment from the song. 

The outro is lovely with the altered singing voice. I’m going back to my bowl of parfait, finally!

“Handle Me” is not your usual breakup song riddled by vulnerabilities and tears. It’s a powerful confrontational breakup song & it’s very empowering. Every woman needs this song on their playlist. For the men, we have a lot to learn from this song.

Although “Handle me” is a confrontational breakup song, it has a feel -good groove that moves me.  “Handle Me” is a powerful playlist-keeper that I’ll play over and over.

Below is a snippet of the song, “Handle Me.”

I’m going to keep tabs on Essence Natay, because she’s an exceptionally gifted vocalist and songwriter who has a vital place in 21st century music. Be sure to keep checking out Essence Natay’s Instagram to see what she releases next! And don’t forget to come back here for even more awesome music.