On his latest EP, ‘Whatever It Takes’, Los Angeles artist Tay navigates the messy intersection of ego and emotional evolution. It is a project defined by its rejection of hip-hop’s typical bravado, opting instead for a transparent look at what happens when a relationship dissolves and the only person left to blame is the one in the mirror. Tay has crafted a six-track collection that feels less like a performance and more like a late-night internal monologue, leaning heavily into his ability to marry melodic R&B sensibilities with a grounded, conversational rap delivery.
The EP opens with ‘Don’t Burn Me Down’, a track that immediately establishes the record’s stakes. Here, Tay’s songwriting is at its most selfless, articulating a desperate desire to provide for a partner even as the foundation starts to crumble. The production throughout the project is sleek and intentional, but it never overshadows the narrative. On ‘Ride For Me’, the tempo shifts slightly, but the lyrical content remains heavy, asking the uncomfortable questions that most people avoid: “Would you love me if I was down, If I need you would you come around? Would you choose me if you had something better?” It is this specific brand of vulnerability that makes the EP feel so accessible to anyone who has navigated the modern dating landscape.
While many artists use interludes as mere filler, ‘How Can You Let It Go?’ serves as the emotional anchor of the record. The spoken word introduction is a bold choice that pays off, allowing the listener to hear the raw texture of Tay’s voice before it dissolves into a haze of slow, reflective backing vocals. It creates a necessary pause before the EP’s final act. The closing track, ‘Will We Be Okay?’, is arguably the most sophisticated moment on the project. It manages to balance a certain tension between the crisp, modern beats and a vocal performance that feels weary yet hopeful.
The record isn't without its familiar tropes; the themes of regret and "what ifs" are well-trodden ground in melodic hip-hop. However, Tay’s insistence on accountability over bitterness gives the EP an edge of maturity. He isn't just asking for a second chance; he’s documenting the personal work required to deserve one.
To see how Tay's journey unfolds in real-time, make sure you follow him today on Instagram and TikTok.
