Photo by: Raymond Flotat

Tink dropped new single “I Like” yesterday gearing fans up for her debut album release this year.

Chicago native Tink has been revealing her R&B and rap influence over the course of four mixetapes since 2012. As a teenager, Tink has already built a solid name for herself, collaborating with the likes of Missy Elliott and Timbaland on her highly anticipated debut album.

“I Like” shows off Tink’s slight vocals, with her soft tons and dreamlike R&B sound. Tink often switches from brash to relaxed when it comes to her style of music, as best seen when comparing the softer ballads of her debut mixtape Winter’s Diary to the slightly harsher rap influenced vibes of Alter Ego.

The release of her first single, “Ratchet Commandments,” off of the debut album has Tink listing off the commandments for what not to do and how not to be a “thot.” “Ratchet Commandments” has proven to been the most produced piece she’s released in the past few years. With Timbaland’s influence, it could’ve been an automatic hit if the verses were more radio friendly.

Tink’s usual vocal sound can be related to that of TLC. Tink has been related to the likes of the former R&B flames, but she has also been linked to recent successes such as Frank Ocean and Azealia Banks. She has a soft vocal style of a late 90’s R&B sound. As for her rapping, that’s a whole other story. Most of her rap influenced tunes are driven and a bit forceful, the complete opposite of her soulful singing tracks.

Tink is a part of Mosley Music group, home to artists Nelly Furtado, One Republic, and Keri Hilson. With a star studded family of musicians on the same label, it’s easy to expect big things for Tink’s future.

In anticipation for her first album, most of us are wondering which direction the album will go. Will it lead us down a road of softer rhythm and blues or more power rap influenced hits?

Listen to the new release “I Like” below.