Setting the vibe with a glistening acoustic guitar and astral vocal detailing, TJA opens his latest song IDFLU with a statement of good energy as he says, “I do, I really hope the best for your ass, I swear…”
However, IDFLU stands for “I Don’t F****** Like U, and TJA expands the song with an intricate flow of “petty ideas that popped into my head about an ex”. It is clear that TJA is using music as catharsis for his woes.
To construct the song, he reached out to friends about petty things they might wish on someone and built the track from there.
The rather intense lyrics are juxtaposed with the vibrant acoustic guitar, which adds dimensionality and a sense of irony to the composition. The hook of the song is highly catchy, and our protagonist acknowledges his emotions as he sings, “But now I’m trying to be better and just suck it up…” before the narrative of the song takes the journey of a redemption arc.
Speaking on his lyricism, TJA says, “I wrote so many more lines than I needed for the song, and I laugh so hard every time I go back and read the ones I didn’t use.” Elaborating on the intention of the track, the rising artist from Flint says, “You can tribute this to an ex you really don’t like, to a crappy co-worker, or frankly to anyone you just can’t stand.”
Produced by Mantra, IDFLU was influenced by the styles of Gym Class Heros and Futuristic, and TJA cites Akon, Ne-Yo, Post Malone, Childish Gambino, Gym Class Heros, Eminem, Joyner Lucas and J Cole as inspirations, but it is clear that he is forging his own path!
We have added IDFLU to our New Music Spotlight playlist and have been exploring TJA‘s wider discography including See Me on Top and Woah.