
Review: From Riffs To Remixes, These Reimagined Masego Tracks Are Worth A Listen

Masego's critically praised self-titled sophomore album was released earlier this year to fans' delight. Leaning on a cool, breezy, and smooth production, this 44-minute album highlights the singer's distinct musical delivery, which is steeped in neo-soul, R&B, and jazz. Through the album, Masego demonstrates his emotional and musical maturity via subjects of pursuing one's aspirations, looking for Black love, discovering oneself, and the scrutiny of contemporary fame.
Now, in response to the album's critical praise, Masego has released four remixes that provide an alternative take on some of his original tracks. With the help of Kweku Sanderson, Grammy-nominated producer Kooldrink, Pocket, and Jamie Brown, the tracks "What You Wanna Try," "Say You Want Me," and "Black Anime," the Grammy-nominated artist gives an already excellent compilation a new look and vibe.
To ride the wave of his successful sophomore album, Masego will kick off his headline Europe/UK Tour called "Where We Goin?" in 2024, where he will visit Berlin, Milan, Madrid, Amsterdam, London, and many more cities. In the meantime, however, you should definitely listen to the stellar Masego album, and give a listen to Masego Remixes.
"What You Wanna Try (Kweku Saunderson Detroit Mix)"
I was intrigued and annoyed by this song's melody when I first heard it. I was intrigued by the distinctive sound of the tune, but I was also annoyed because there was, somehow, a familiarity behind the tune that I couldn't place. Nevertheless, after giving it some thought, I discovered that the familiar melody was lifted from "Tom's Diners" and given Masego's unique trap-jazz twist.
This tune is simply the beginning of Masego's musical brilliance. Cleverly, he produced a tune that felt familiar and brand-new by layering his original beat and flow over parts of the well-known track. When it comes to Black love, he appears to be asking the same questions that he asked himself in the song "Mystery Lady" from his last record.
He wants to know what she's willing to try, and he's prepared to give it to her, whatever that may be. A partnership? There he is. A fling? He is also able to accept that. The song is welcoming and forces you to want to find an answer to whatever question the artist poses.
With layered vocals, a drill rhythm, and an inverted echo of the singer repeating the first chorus over a variety of instruments, Kwekku Saunderson's remix has the most club-like vibe. Since this is the most significant song modification of all the remixes, the charm and sensual qualities typical of Masego's music aren't as evident here, which may leave the listener wanting more from the remix than from the original. However, its interpretation is still worth the listen, as it is intriguing to hear Saunderson's version of the single over a Detriot House beat.
"What You Wanna Try (Kooldrink (Amapiano) Remix)"
Masego's song "What You Wanna Try" is featured in this remix over an amapiano beat. The dance-like element of the single is emphasized at the beginning of the song, but when Masego enters, the song is almost as alluring as it was in the original. Why? This is largely due to being absorbed in the Afro-dance rhythms for such an extended period, that when the singer eventually makes an appearance and extends a warm welcome, it feels as if he is extending a sense of companionship following the protracted periods of isolation.
Since it seems like the more collaborative of the two remixes, I might appreciate this one a little bit more. Though it sounds more like Saunderson than Masego, the first song isn't a terrible cover. Nevertheless, despite maintaining Masego's self-assurance, the first song lacked the singer's easygoing charm and swagger when pursuing a lover. That's why it wasn't as interesting as this one, which manages to keep the charm and lyrics that make Masego so appealing and enjoyable to listen to, while also veering toward club-like sounds.
"Say You Want Me (Pocket Remix)"
Prior to Study Abroad: Extended Stay, Masego occasionally performed songs with elements of Caribbean music, although not as frequently as he does these days. In this single, Masego draws on his Jamaican roots in the original "Say You Want Me," playing a lively Afro-R&B groove that feels like warm sunshine. However, it is precisely because of this emotion that the song is so brilliant and flows so naturally, making the message all the more devastating for his pursuer. Masego takes the lead on the song with a player's mentality, talking about leading ladies on, while competing for their attention at the same time. There are times when he seems invested, changed even, but he quickly implies—almost tauntingly—that it was all just him lying to her.
The backing vocals, which are contributed by Ambré, Ari PenSmith, Mannywellz, and Destin Conrad, only serve to emphasize this point as they act as possible echoes of Masego's affections—only for them to learn that the voices are just an endless part of Masego's inconsistent actions.
The Afro-R&B is dropped in favor of a faster-paced, more energetic party song in the remix. This rendition of the song has some appeal, even if it's not as seductive as the original. Like other club hits, its irresistible rhythmic quality is the primary attraction. You won't be able to sit still, even if you don't like the song; and don't get me wrong, not enjoying this song is a big "if" because even in this rendition, you can't help but think that Masego meant something else for his lover, even if he is explicit about what he intended.
After this, it is impossible not to hope that he changes and searches for a greater romance.
"Black Anime (Jamie Brown Remix)"
In its original version, the opening of "Black Anime" has a piano riff that possesses a dream-like quality. Lasting only forty seconds, its melody brings the audience to an alternate reality full of grandeur and wonder that showcases the value of using one's imagination and how this exploration can foster new ideas that may contribute to one's success. Though, the melody does not nurture this idea alone. Instead, when Masego's vocals finally emerge, he gives off an impression of expansiveness mixed with the feeling of a distant, maybe illusive dream.
This is done when he uses the familiar tune from "The Cha-Cha Slide" to lull his audience into a dream-like state, illustrating the addictive nature of pursuing one's desires and "money dreams" through a captivating cycle of pleasurable contemplation.This song's Jamie Brown remix is intriguing since it produces the same engrossing loop as the original but in a novel and intoxicating way. This version instills a sense of urgency and agitation, rather than lulling us into following our aspirations through this infinite cycle of repetition. For example, if we don't achieve our goals with a swift and nearly frantic energy, they cannot materialize at all.
By the time the well-known tune of "The Cha-Cha Slide" appears during this performance, it seems as though Masego has reached a point of exhaustion and is being forced to take a break after working nonstop for many nights, only to have the cycle repeated the instant his eyelids open, again.
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Taysha Robinson is a writer and high school English teacher, based in metro-Atlanta. A self described philomath, you can find her reading books and articles of every genre, attending educational conferences, and hiking wherever the terrain will allow.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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Feature image screenshot/ xoNecole YouTube
Egypt Sherrod & Mike Jackson On Love, Business, And Financial Transparency On The First Date
Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson have captivated us on their HGTV show, Married to Real Estate, and podcast Marriage and Money.
Now, they have teamed up with TurboTax to assist small business owners with tax and financial support. The couple met while working in radio, and now they own multiple businesses together. While working with your spouse can have its ups and downs, they wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Besides the fact that I get to work with the person I love doing what I love to do, right? There's the aspect of our daughters, seeing us work together as a unit and actually doing it successful,” Mike tells xoNecole in an exclusive interview
“So they get to grow up and experience what it is to be entrepreneurs from ground level, right? Because Mom and Dad did it, and they did it in such a way that I want to emulate, even if they don't decide to do exactly what we do, but they get to see it. That, to me, means a lot.”
But owning a business, whether separate or together, comes with a lot of responsibility and mistakes can often happen, especially for novice entrepreneurs. Egypt opens up about mistakes her and Mike experienced working in real estate.
“On our journey of entrepreneurship, we made a lot of mistakes. We spent money, we did things backwards, we learned the hard way through the school of hard knocks. There was no road map for us,” she says.
“So our goal by partnering with TurboTax is to really open the eyes of fellow entrepreneurs, to show them that, especially when it comes to your finances, your taxes, and getting that right, there is a faster, more cost effective, more accurate way of getting the support that you need.”
“On our journey of entrepreneurship, we made a lot of mistakes. We spent money, we did things backwards, we learned the hard way through the school of hard knocks. There was no road map for us."
Being tax compliant is among small business owners’ top concerns, but it's often time-consuming and research-intensive to figure out taxes on your own. TurboTax Business provides small business owners and solopreneurs access to unlimited live expert help to get your taxes prepared and filed.
When it comes to their marriage, the money conversation never goes away. The couple owns six businesses together, multiple properties, and are parents to three daughters. So when it comes down to finances, they believe in transparency, even dating back to their first date 21 years ago.
“Our first conversation about money was that, ‘hey, I don't have no money.’ Okay?,” Mike says. “Because there's been past relationships that are no longer existing. There's been things going on that I had to take care of and get through. So you're meeting a man that is pretty much starting from scratch again. How do you feel about it?”
At the time, Mike was newly divorced and had a small child. Egypt says she found his honesty “refreshing” and was looking for someone to build with, so his finances weren’t a problem for her. “If you're building anything, and that's like, first, second, third date, and you feel like, okay, this is someone I can be invested with, even beyond money, you have to just be honest about your circumstances,” Egypt shares.
“Our first conversation about money was that, ‘hey, I don't have no money.’ Okay?. Because there's been past relationships that are no longer existing. There's been things going on that I had to take care of and get through. So you're meeting a man that is pretty much starting from scratch again. How do you feel about it?”
“Otherwise you're building a house of cards that can fall at any minute, but I think money is one of the things. Finances are one of the things that even when people are in love, they still can't make it work and it breaks up marriages. It breaks up relationships because it's a stressor.
“So, yeah it is something that you want to ask about up front. What's your credit? How much do you earn? You don't have to be rich, but I just need to know if if the math is mathing.”
While they don’t believe you should have the money conversation on the first date, they do believe you should have it early to avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
To hear more about their story, check out their podcast, Marriage and Money and watch the new season of Married to Real Estate on HGTV.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
“So they get to grow up and experience what it is to be entrepreneurs from ground level, right? Because Mom and Dad did it, and they did it in such a way that I want to emulate, even if they don't decide to do exactly what we do, but they get to see it. That, to me, means a lot.”
But owning a business, whether separate or together, comes with a lot of responsibility and mistakes can often happen, especially for novice entrepreneurs. Egypt opens up about mistakes her and Mike experienced working in real estate.
“On our journey of entrepreneurship, we made a lot of mistakes. We spent money, we did things backwards, we learned the hard way through the school of hard knocks. There was no road map for us,” she says.
“So our goal by partnering with TurboTax is to really open the eyes of fellow entrepreneurs, to show them that, especially when it comes to your finances, your taxes, and getting that right, there is a faster, more cost effective, more accurate way of getting the support that you need.”
“On our journey of entrepreneurship, we made a lot of mistakes. We spent money, we did things backwards, we learned the hard way through the school of hard knocks. There was no road map for us."
Being tax compliant is among small business owners’ top concerns, but it's often time-consuming and research-intensive to figure out taxes on your own. TurboTax Business provides small business owners and solopreneurs access to unlimited live expert help to get your taxes prepared and filed.
When it comes to their marriage, the money conversation never goes away. The couple owns six businesses together, multiple properties, and are parents to three daughters. So when it comes down to finances, they believe in transparency, even dating back to their first date 21 years ago.
“Our first conversation about money was that, ‘hey, I don't have no money.’ Okay?,” Mike says. “Because there's been past relationships that are no longer existing. There's been things going on that I had to take care of and get through. So you're meeting a man that is pretty much starting from scratch again. How do you feel about it?”
At the time, Mike was newly divorced and had a small child. Egypt says she found his honesty “refreshing” and was looking for someone to build with, so his finances weren’t a problem for her. “If you're building anything, and that's like, first, second, third date, and you feel like, okay, this is someone I can be invested with, even beyond money, you have to just be honest about your circumstances,” Egypt shares.
“Our first conversation about money was that, ‘hey, I don't have no money.’ Okay?. Because there's been past relationships that are no longer existing. There's been things going on that I had to take care of and get through. So you're meeting a man that is pretty much starting from scratch again. How do you feel about it?”
“Otherwise you're building a house of cards that can fall at any minute, but I think money is one of the things. Finances are one of the things that even when people are in love, they still can't make it work and it breaks up marriages. It breaks up relationships because it's a stressor.
“So, yeah it is something that you want to ask about up front. What's your credit? How much do you earn? You don't have to be rich, but I just need to know if if the math is mathing.”
While they don’t believe you should have the money conversation on the first date, they do believe you should have it early to avoid any misunderstandings down the line.
To hear more about their story, check out their podcast, Marriage and Money and watch the new season of Married to Real Estate on HGTV.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image courtesy