R&B and funk artist, HyenaXXL’s latest single, “Mr.XXL,” is a vibrant, genre-blending homage to the golden age of 1980s pop and funk, infused with modern sonic textures. Drawing inspiration from musical legends like Prince and supported by industry heavyweights such as Ne-Yo and Grammy-winning producer Jon-John Robinson, HyenaXXL delivers an electrifying track that both nods to the past and carves out a bold space in today’s music scene.
“Mr.XXL” begins with cool electronic melodies snaking in, setting an enticing atmosphere before the beats drop into a pulsing groove. The musical atmosphere becomes highly infectious, enjoyable, uplifting, and hooky at this point because of the hard beats and the shimmering vibrant melodies above making it impossible to resist. Then the music stereo pans traveling through our ears and Ne-Yo’s rich, and deep voice comes through.
The vocal performance is the centerpiece, with a voice that exudes confidence and a subtle sultriness. The delivery is suave and composed, complemented by whispery, breathy backing vocals that bring a spicy, intimate flair.
The standout refrain, “What is life without love?” resonates as a universal truth, encapsulating the song’s message of connection and vitality. The verses themselves make you smirk knowingly and sway to the tune, especially the line,
“A good girl gone bad/Rebellious man go mad/Ride with me this one night/We blasting off tonight”
Inspired by the legendary Prince, “Mr.XXL” thrives on bold experimentation and an unapologetically vibrant sound. The ode to the 80s, “Mr.XXL” teases the potential of the forthcoming album and keeps us excited for more from HyenaXXL.
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Review by: Naomi Joan