Amsterdam's very own Fred Maybe is back with a daring, self-produced colab track starring REDHA, entitled "Sink or Swim," a wheezing cross-genre R&B, Hip-hop cut drenched in memories and contemporary swagger alike. That bass-line is immediately locked, if not loaded into listeners' brains with the first ding of the hip-hop drum unit, a chain-gang rhythm that feels like it threatens to come flying out of listeners' ears.
Redha's productions are as dynamic as they get, and Fred Maybe's scratchy vocals soar over them. The song tells a relatable yet infectious story. "Sink or Swim" captures that universal moment in a relationship, the adrenaline rush and anguish of an imminent make-or-break. Whether you are getting lost on a late-night drive or cutting loose at a weekend party, the track has an irresistible pull that commands your attention.
What makes "Sink or Swim" so great is its perfect duality, a throwback and a fresh take on contemporary music. The funky vibes nod to classic R&B grooves, yet there's more than enough Hip-Hop influence to keep it right up to date with the urban waves. It's this hybrid sound that gives the song a timeless-yet-instantly-modern feel, a tricky balance which Fred Maybe and REDHA seem to pull off with enviable ease.
Self-produced, the song is a showcase of Fred Maybe's budding artistry. The production is nicely tight, but not so much as to sound sterile. There's plenty of room for the textures of the vocals and gritty bass to pop. It's a song that begs to be played over and over again, becoming more complex with each listening. This song is a strong declaration from Fred Maybe and REDHA on behalf of Amsterdam music, here to break molds while showing love for the funky, soulful, and everything laid out in emotion.