From the moment PUDDLE begins, we are pulled into a whole new dimension. The track opens with an astral, Eastern-inspired soundscape, an entrance that feels as though it’s reaching across both ancient tradition and futuristic vibe, inviting us to let go and vibe along. This isn’t your average club record; it’s a whole world brought to life in a Tuscaloosa home studio, where Cortez Mckinnon, a singer-songwriter and producer, has crafted an undeniable groove. The solo artist, who has become known for his smart lyrics and captivating energy, has outdone himself with PUDDLE, and the result is nothing short of magnetic.
Cortez’s vocal flow arrives confidently, pouring over the beat with a precision and swagger that’s ideal for big-stage moments like Coachella. His voice carries a unique timbre, rich with both grit and smoothness, and as he unfurls clever, relatable lyrics, he makes it clear that he knows how to captivate. When Cortez raps, “I make it rain, she make a puddle,” the sexual innuendo is artfully woven into the music, riding on water metaphors that feel like a lyrical nod to Tyla’s chart-topping Water but with a unique edge all his own. Cortez creates a world of tantalizing, water-inspired imagery, with each metaphor driving the track’s sensual pulse and leaving listeners feeling both seduced and grounded.
Yet, PUDDLE isn’t just about lyrics; it’s a complete production showcase. Influenced by icons like Chris Brown, Usher, and Trey Songz, Cortez mixes smooth R&B vocals with a beat that’s undeniably infectious. His production is both intricate and expansive, with Cortez layering sounds and rhythms that build into a musical oasis, giving it all a raw, authentic touch straight from his home studio. You can tell Cortez’s ethos is about crafting experiences, and PUDDLE achieves exactly that, making it ideal for everything from intimate house parties to dance clubs.
The track’s ability to merge a feel-good, club-ready energy with intelligent songwriting makes it unforgettable. You can easily envision PUDDLE setting the crowd on fire and elevating the mood anywhere it plays, with Cortez’s beats and vocals encouraging everyone to lose themselves in the rhythm. His award-winning talent, recognized with 2023’s Song of the Year, shines through, setting him on the path to becoming the next big star he’s aiming to be. And as he puts it, “Enjoy the journey so you can reflect at the destination” – it’s clear he’s fully immersed in his path to greatness.
With PUDDLE, Cortez Mckinnon has crafted a sultry, danceable anthem that hits all the right notes, leaving listeners excited not just for this single but for the artist’s entire upcoming album. It’s time to let loose and immerse yourself in PUDDLE, the club-ready hit that’s as cerebral as it is seductive, from an artist who knows how to keep us dancing till dawn.
We have added PUDDLE to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our new TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to stream the wider discography of Cortez Mckinnon, including his 2023 album, DREAM BIGG!