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ALBUM REVIEW: MASICKA - HER NAME IS LOVE

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Masicka’s Her Name Is Love marks a significant evolution in his artistry, stepping away from the hardened edges of his signature hardcore dancehall to reveal a more harmonious, emotionally exposed, and vulnerable side. Across eight tracks, the EP centers on love, intimacy, and feminine strength, presenting Masicka as an artist willing to explore tenderness without sacrificing authority. Released through Def Jam Recordings, the project replaces raw aggression with melody, restraint, and intention—showcasing a softer yet still commanding dimension of his sound.

Produced by a strong lineup including Boi-1daRvssian, and others, Her Name Is Love is praised for its thematic depth, mature storytelling, and polished production. It explores the complexities of love through multiple lenses, positioning the EP as a compelling new chapter in Masicka’s growth. Tracks like “Source,” “Please” (feat. Lola Brooke), and “Rich Sex” highlight his versatility while expanding the emotional scope of contemporary dancehall.

In a recent Billboard interview, Masicka explained the intent behind the project:

Her Name Is Love is really me tapping into another dimension of who I am—not stepping away from the grit, but showing that there’s more to the man behind the music. The ladies always support my work, and I wanted to create something that speaks directly to them, their stories, their strength, their emotions, and the energy they bring to the culture. This EP is about connection, emotion, and the different forms love can take.”

The EP opens with “Source,” produced by Lily KaplanOtis, and Gray Toomey, featuring sparse keys and a measured, understated pace. The warm, hand-crafted production creates a calm, cinematic soundscape that contrasts sharply with Masicka’s more high-energy dancehall output. It sets the emotional tone for the project—settled, reflective, and intentional.

“Whine All Night” follows with a smooth, melodic groove that blends dancehall with subtle R&B and Latin influences. Sensual and restrained, the track explores romantic chemistry while further distancing Masicka from his traditionally tougher image. It stands out as one of the EP’s most accessible and engaging highlights.

“Please” showcases Masicka’s melodic sensibilities and romantic devotion, featuring an unexpected yet effective pairing with American rapper Lola Brooke. The collaboration highlights his versatility beyond darker themes, pairing polished production with emotional depth and signaling clear lyrical growth from his earlier work.

“Lifetime” emerges as a standout moment—an emotionally rich track that emphasizes heartfelt lyricism over conflict-driven narratives. Its sincerity and resonance helped propel the EP to a No. 1 debut on Jamaica’s Apple Music charts, cementing Masicka’s status as one of dancehall’s most compelling contemporary voices.

On “Shot Me Down,” Masicka continues exploring vulnerability, delivering smooth storytelling over dancehall/R&B production while maintaining his raw, gritty delivery. The song centers on a woman’s captivating control over him, creating a relatable and emotionally charged narrative that balances softness with strength.

“Top of the World” represents a defining moment in Masicka’s evolution—from lyrical warfare to maturity and emotional control. The track reframes intimacy as power rather than weakness, building a mood rooted in trust rather than dominance. Lush melodic lines and reverb-drenched harmonies replace the aggressive trap-dancehall textures of his earlier catalog.

“Keys,” produced by 1Mind and Westen Weiss, is a smooth, melodic, and deeply vulnerable love song. Masicka delivers heartfelt lyricism over hypnotic rhythms and tactile production, resulting in a warm, resolved track that underscores his artistic growth beyond grit into emotional depth.

The EP closes with “Rich Sex,” produced by Rvssian on the Story Book Riddim. Energetic, sensual, and catchy, the track celebrates classy women while reintroducing dancehall vibrancy—ending the project on a confident, elevated note.

Ultimately, Masicka didn’t just release an EP—he set a mood. Her Name Is Love is built on trust, focus, and emotional control without harshness. It marks a major stylistic shift, proving that vulnerability can coexist with strength. Masicka set out to tap into another dimension of who he is, and he delivers fully—expanding both his artistry and the emotional possibilities of modern dancehall.

One Love - Todd D. Judd

 

Todd Judd

Photojournalist - Pennsylvania

Website: www.facebook.com/IronLionImages Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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