Foggieraw’s new single “Nefertiti” uses memory-inducing lyrics over a gentle jazz piano to depict 90’s nostalgia and childish love.
The jazzy piano melodies trigger both nostalgia and a sense of timelessness, as Foggieraw begins the song speaking to his “Nefertiti” directly. The premise of the song is a plea to remember the “good ol’ days” and the moments that they shared together, while also acknowledging their faults and insecurities as a couple.
“Nefertiti” is pumped full of references to everything from Betty Boop to Freaky Friday and Spykids. The nostalgia that Foggieraw employs on this track also plays into the immaturity of his love, as he begins to reveal the cracks and instability in his relationship.
He writes about fighting with her cousins, them fighting with each other, and with her friends. It paints a complicated picture of their attachment as even though they have deep love and a prolonged connection, their extended time in each other’s lives has created a muddy and messy situation. Foggieraw ends the song by restating that he does not like her friends, “I don’t like none of your friends, I don’t like Kiana, I don’t like Kiesha and I definitely don’t like Kiki,” which only emphasizes the complex relationship presented in the track.
Foggieraw’s style in “Nefertiti” leans towards conversational, as he uses the softness of the hypnotic backing piano to languidly rap his lyrics to his lover. His lyrics are what really shine as he is able to be honest, nostalgic, and exude confidence all in less than two and a half minutes. Foggieraw encapsulates his struggle in his relationship by saying, “I like you for who you is, you like me for the n**** I could be one day.”
Foggieraw has managed to create a love song that is both romantic and argumentative, which creates a listening experience that is raw, real and nostalgic. “Nefertiti” shows us that relationships are complicated experiences, but that love and romance often keeps us coming back for more.
