After teasing fans on social media earlier this week, Mahalia and Rico Nasty have dropped their fierce collaboration titled ‘Jealous’.
It follows on from Mahalia’s recent ‘Isolation Tapes’ and Rico Nasty’s critically acclaimed debut album ‘Nightmare Vacation’ released in December last year.
Maryland rapper Nasty is known for her experimental playfulness, however, the collaboration explores a new, darker sound to what we’ve previously heard from Mahalia. The moody earworm incorporates a trap infused influence over a light guitar plucking as she showcases a new musical direction.
To accompany the dazzling new single, the duo has also treated fans to a sleek visual shot by director Melody Maker. The blue-lit video inspired by the 1998 film ‘Belly’, see’s Mahalia sporting a black mini dress, puffer jacket and pigtails.
Throughout the video, she enlists the help of Nasty to break into a former lover’s mansion as the pair hack into home appliances causing havoc and turmoil in the name of revenge.
Speaking about the track, Mahalia explained:
“I made ‘Jealous’ on a sunny day at the end of Summer last year. I was sat in the studio with Cadenza and Miraa May getting some stuff off my chest from the past few weeks.
“It was a weird time… I was dealing with friends being super unsupportive about decisions I was making and I was struggling with navigating that.
“I’m really proud and excited about what came out in this song and I hope people love it in the same way we did when we wrote it. Rico Nasty is a badass and one of my favourite artists so getting her to feature was a huge moment for me!”
Rico Nasty added: “Covid couldn’t stop shit! So happy to be a part of this record with Mahalia.”
Jealous comes as Mahalia’s first release following her double win at the 2020 MOBO awards where the ‘I Wish I Missed My Ex’’ songstress took home awards for both ‘Best R&B/Soul Album’ and ‘Best Female Act’.
Be sure to check out their brand new single ‘Jealous’ now and head over to YouTube to watch the official music video.