Dismissing NIKI as 88rising’s first female artist or a mere “heartthrob” discredits her ability as a musician. And in her latest single “Switchblade,” she made it harder for everyone to ignore her R&B princess status. 

“Switchblade” is different from her first singles like “I Like You” and “Vintage.” If “I Like You’s” instrumentals bring you back to Y2K or ’90s R&B’s past, her latest single transports you to the future. Others describe the track as a “spacey” song. But it’s more than that. 

It’s blessed with Lykke Li’s dark electro-pop and the loftiness of FKA Twigs’ bars. With her latest single being a hybrid of two songstresses from different genres, she ushers in the future of her sound. It’s a declaration of fearlessness. “Switchblade” is proof that she’s not a one-trick pony nor her label’s attempt at diversifying its pool of artists.

Read more: The future is bright with NIKI

She earned her place at the table. And now, we’re fully witnessing the fruit of her potential. 

Watch NIKI’s latest MV below: 

Still from NIKI’s “Switchblade”