How Tinashe & Ricky Reed Created the Viral Hit 'Nasty' | Behind the Song

Join us as we dive into the process of how Tinashe and Ricky Reed made this summer's internet sensation, 'Nasty'. In this exclusive behind the song video, we get into the different elements of the track, how they kept the production simple and the reception of the viral line "somebody gonna match my freak."

[@RNCHFND]

She's made so many bops over the years that even her is surprised that THIS is the one that stuck out

[@Discodoos]

It’s incredible what a meme/tik tok can do for a single song

[@TheTinebee]

Yes

[@DavidKen878]

This isn’t the one that stuck out, it’s the one that gained traction. I don’t know why y’all act like Tinashe is getting played everywhere and people just choose not to listen to her. When was the last time you heard one of her songs on the radio?

[@pcek132]

@@DavidKen878 yeah it has been a minute. I think this is a combo of her being on that space celebrity show, tik tok, and having a hit with good push

[@DavidKen878]

@@pcek132 Nasty went viral because of a dance video. That show didn't have anything to do with it. Plus that was over a year ago.

[@marianar2948]

So happy to see my girl Tinashe getting all these interviews and highlights! Go Nasty 💚💛🤍

[@bbgrl95_]

Ugh she was my fav in 2014 im glad she’s finally blowing up like crazy

[@RNCHFND]

FINALLY, right?

[@glenncotayan352]

@@bbgrl95_sameeee ❤

[@davidsandoval1603]

Feel the same way about that harmony it’s gets me every time

[@onoraii.o]

No fr

[@christiantreid]

that’s the best part of the song

[@Stella.Manella]

So iconic

[@rosedemai1230]

I love witch-house'y vibe of her songs. 🧝🏽‍♀️

[@TempleOfToya]

SAME! ❤IT

[@Zachx]

What y'all newcomers probably don't know is that Tinashe is not only a singer and dancer, but she also produces a lot of her work as well. She's the whole package. I've been a fan since like 2013ish.

[@DonutsForever24]

I first heard her on some kaytranada tracks but I've yet to explore her discography

[@OriginalDoll1]

The AUQUARIUS EP 😍😭 we’ve come a long way with our Tinashe superstar

[@wavelength369]

high skill musician and i luv it.

[@shahariarhassan2831]

​@@OriginalDoll1 I was happy with her being underrated. I wanted to gatekeep her more. But I'm happy for her now that she's getting the recognition she deserves.

[@jimmymcfan]

Same!

[@Diz_27]

Im glad she mentioned the harmony part at the beginning. I always notice these in her songs and my favorite parts in her songs.

[@RealestGuyInTheRoom-]

Real fans know

[@Officesirenwife]

Especially the oh oh oh at like 1:45, 46 in the song

[@dinolondyn3962]

They made history in the studio. I love how Tinashe isn’t afraid to try new things with it sound, but it ALWAYS sounds true to her. I love that she’s getting her shine and flowers, she deserves

[@GuyNamedRy]

makes it easier when your independent now you can do whatever art you want

[@rigobertobarragan3489]

My guy is VERY proud about tapping out those 808’s 😂

[@rosedemai1230]

As he should! 😃

[@79Glitch]

He’s a pretty accomplished, Grammy award winning producer. I think he wanted to illustrate that they were spontaneously creating ideas together in the room, not making a pre-programmed beat on the computer to send someone. But even the TINIEST amount of musicality being displayed is a pretty big contrast to the average the trap, pop, hip hop, rnb producer, who doesn’t play any instruments … in my opinion.

[@jahhe2611]

He probably understands best how hard it is to make a simple 808 pattern that works nowadays, although it sounds very simple and in ur mind easy to do.. those are actually the most difficult ones to make.

[@abhicrax]

​@@79Glitchwow big claim! please let me check the music produced by you sir? i want to have a look at your musicality

[@carbon.the.christ5626]

😂😂😂

[@freebby]

the producer is humble af

[@COSCOSBEATS]

Gotta let the artist shine/ producers usually sit in the background & don’t even get any recognition mostly

[@vcgomeez]

How it should be!

[@brandopike4246]

at some point I said she got like 30 songs better than “nasty” but this breakdown was a slap to my face, the amounts of layers and background vocals it has, even the sampling of her own voice, amazing work, a true artist

[@angelyssarosarodriguez8871]

yess, same! she's the real deal

[@zacharygordon55]

Girl and she said this was a "simple production" so imagine what the breakdown on something like "Life's Too Short" would look like, I need it

[@brandopike4246]

@@zacharygordon55 exactly, I wanna see that pro tools session for Joyride and Bet 😮‍💨

[@Armyblink4life554]

I still listen to “2 On” 😭

[@FredZ63]

oh wow...i built this studio for Ricky years ago, looks and sounds awesome in this video...nice!

[@MAXIMILIAN390]

Sick bro 🤙🏼

[@familyguy410]

mixing the synth w the harmony was genius

[@blondedblonded]

y'all really need to give ricky reed his flowers!!!

[@dreamyvolcano3272]

yeah, he's been producing some of my favorite tracks in the last years!!!

[@marissalovesbravo]

Song of the summer forsure. Tinashe has been that girl!

[@truecommenter6718]

nah it’s espresso

[@hyejubff]

@@truecommenter6718 it can be both...

[@_linlin_]

@@truecommenter6718 As a long time follower of both - it's both, one is for the club or your bedroom to feel sexy, the other one is for the coffee shop, for your walk to work and etc, where you wanna feel katty and cute.

[@tbj4855]

Lol

[@renegade8283]

now he’s

[@Late4that]

What I love about this song is it wasn’t intended to go viral. She just makes good songs and people got hip to it

[@Rayaann]

Beyond proud of her receiving her flowers now! I think it's super late overdue but i'm so proud of her!!

[@user-nq5ft1cb9s]

shes the only independent female producer reaching history accolades in our generation. Shes quite incredible, her talent is very unique in music theory, looking forward to what she will cultivate sonically for the future of music. Everyone probably wants their music produced by Tinashe now.

[@b1tchycvnt]

she was WORKING this day

[@ScottThePisces]

I used to love watching Tinashe's in her bedroom studio videos back in the day 💙

[@Project199x]

I miss the Tumblr days

[@kclbailey]

And this is THAT but better. Whew. OG’s are being fed todayb

[@swayze693]

same! i found her in 2012 while looking for cassie ventura’s catalogue for maybe some leaked hits (shame on me i know) and then i downloaded ICWD on dat piff. i have card copies of that and reverie i wanna have her sign one day. i listen to at least one song of hers on the ride to/from work from her 2012-13 era daily haha. i will jump infront of a bus for her😂

[@rosedemai1230]

Yesss, these were so cool! I realy relate to her creativity.❤

[@bbgrl95_]

@@swayze693same I think it was 2013 for me

[@Edward_Avila]

The part that TInashe says is her favorite harmony reminds me so much of the vocal harmony in Utada Hikaru's "Heart Station" lol

[@MM-mf4tz]

I knew it reminded me of something!

[@aviona123]

we see each otha!!!!

[@Pretendkid]

I'm obsessed with this song 🥺 The transition between the vibey intro and the euphoric "put it on me, I like it just like that" is SOOOO

[@ufufu001]

i never thought this day would come. i can't think of a single artist that is more underrated and deserves all the success in the world! this girl should be one of the main pop/rnb girls for sure

[@Similee]

The fact that she used her voice as a sample chop is what caught my ear. I realllllllu felt this joint. And the sustained synth notes are bonkers. Great job on this one

[@froggyflyingtoflamingo]

I absolutely love the enthusiasm and pride he is showing while showcasing every bit of his work on this song! He is like, "Hey, see this! Also, look at this! And this, and wait...wait...SEE THIS?! How about this?! I also did thiiiis!"

[@charltonbasson1512]

i would've loved this type of videos for 333. oh my days.

[@skinnylegend8324]

so true. unconditional brike diwn like this would be soO intewstung but also every ither song in the album would be so insightful. the production of 333 isnt to be played with

[@hanaroseofficial]

​@skinnylegend8324 for me it's the lyrics! Like so enlightening...I want to know her spiritual journey cos I feel like she GETS IT

[@m8trxd]

That entire album is so sick

[@MarqMervin]

Omg yes!! A breakdown of '333', 'Shy Guy', and 'Unconditional' would be mindblowing!

[@heyimtreve]

so hard working..she deserves all the success

[@dariusscott671]

She did that intro harmony so effortlessly, at first attempt it’s actually not. She’s such a genius. Love Ms. Kachingwe🫶🏾‼️🤌🏾

[@Iexapro]

The vitality really lifted this track. I’ve been hoping something would catch on for her for years now. An artist that’s always willing to try something new keeps it fresh! ☺️

[@JBreezzBeatz]

She’s been counted out several times throughout her career. Glad she’s having somewhat of a resurgence this summer!

[@TheNephew]

She's so insanely talented & beautiful, God obviously has its favorites lol

[@rosedemai1230]

I love the witch-house'y vibe of her songs.❤

[@moongumoongu]

i am so so impressed with her. she’s so eloquent when talking about her approach too

[@hanaroseofficial]

Loved this breakdown on her creative process. She really loves making her own unique art and shes so free and light with it. She really lives by her craft. And i love that it was only made 7 months ago and came out so fast! Her intention was defs achieved...it makes you feel good, sexy, confident! BIG TIME, PULL UP, MAKE A SCENE!

[@conradcahoon5895]

Masterpiece of a song. Production, lyrics, vocals, catchiness, like who else is doing it like her?

[@MarcosIsABaritone]

It's a bonafide bop. So happy for Nasty 'Nashe!

[@claudiocueto2960]

I'm a Tinashe's day-one. I'm so beyond happy for her. She's finally getting the recognition she deserves. Long live Tinashe ❤

[@BaebyBear23]

Love an artist who uses their voice truly as an instrument and that fully is what Tinashe brings every time. Definitely a reason why i love her sm

[@stormsalwayshaveaneye2273]

She’s such a good and chill artist! A true superstar!! Keep going Tinashe!!

[@e.foster9137]

Talk about genius and artist of our generation. It’s between her, FKA and Charli

[@Tania-wh7sg]

Love this can’t wait for the album

[@adrimcandrew-jj8qi]

She's killing it. Just like an Aquarius, she had to wait for the rest of the world to catch up to her vibe.

[@user-sy4cn3ri7v]

Exactly

[@3RACHASUPREMACY]

BINGOOOOO ❤️

[@Jawnson]

I seriously live for this type of content! Tinashe ALWAYS pushes boundary 🔥🔥

[@odessaharris]

Real ones know Ricky Reed was in a group called wallpaper who had a few hits in the 2010’s. Glad hes still around

[@adamp108]

he's so proud of tapping out the 808s

[@Noideabb]

QUEEN TINASHE!!! Glad she’s getting the love and recognition she deserves 🎉

[@Vimeo1x]

So happy for my girl Tinashe. A talented queen for yearssss ❤ getting her flowers!

[@RobyyJUsmile]

The way she does EVERYTHING for herself and for her art - it's insane she's a genius for real for real

[@jeremiahjacks692]

So proud of Tinashe really happy she has a good unit !!

[@leme9006]

First time I heard the song was at Coachella she performed it so well the crowd was going crazy and dancing so hard. What a vibe

[@MORRILL_MUSIC]

what a video. every minute in this is GOLD

[@MrMikol69]

Give her a Grammy .!

[@heyimtreve]

period

[@Mohtohsoh]

this my fav type of videos !!!! Tinashe the queen

[@sweettazcandyy]

I love her mind

[@hanaroseofficial]

Righttt

[@thedelve_]

That harmony adds minor dissonance so good

[@SudeAydnoglu]

tinashe has been the "less is more" cool girl since day one. I have been waiting for her moment to shine and in a scene saturated with overproduction, it was guaranteed.took you guys a while to catch up to her. real Aquarius shit

[@agill6246]

They make a solid musical duo. Hope she continues to use him for future production. I enjoyed watching this segment and the behind the scenes of this summer jam.

[@kellymcphaul2793]

Also love the “just like that” like All Hands On Deck.

[@user-uj2ft2zn6o]

Really love these types of videos showing the behind the scenes of how songs get made. Also, I’m so happy for Tinashe!

[@TheAvgWoman]

She's very talented. I'm glad people are noticing.

[@0hffs]

It’s that AQUARIUS in her. We were born 2 days apart ❤

[@jamesw.9256]

Crazy how random songs blow up the way they do. Talk To Me Nice is probably her best song since Cold Sweat. I hope people go all the way back to In Case We Die and rediscover her discography. This makes me wonder about all the songs we never hear stories behind

[@kelsilulu]

This is the song of the summer for me

[@bigstunna2049]

Tinashe will always have my respect. She does her own thing and releases when she wants to

[@jamesd4991]

cant believe wallpaper is the person who produced this track. awesome to see how big he is now

[@heyimtreve]

GIVE HER HER FLOWERS PERIOD

[@detaurushill7194]

that harmony gets me everytime

[@johnhi2398]

absolutely lovesss itttt!!! , shes so beautiful and talented !!

[@user-zw8rz8wb9b]

I love this videos of her in the studio, the nostalgia gets meeee

[@SamAsm367]

When she performs this at the Grammys I want to see the "pink shirt guy" onstage matching her freak. I'd watch that.

[@Txsuperrr]

Her and cassie are my Favorite artist!!! I hope cassie gets to work with Ryan leslie again!!

[@Joactah77]

Cassie?!

[@Txsuperrr]

@@Joactah77 yes i said cassie lol

[@HeyHey-jb4im]

I LOVE THAT HARMONY

[@suiteblaq]

I’m so glad to see Ricky Reed is still around! 🥹💕 I used to adore his ‘Wallpaper’ project. It was so much fun-peak 2010s party culture music. So happy these two artists found each other, they’ve both been making amazing music for years.

[@soucentelha]

She's finally received the recognition ❤

[@katherinepadilla858]

Already loved the song (and loved Tinashe down since 2018!) but hearing it pulled apart like this shows some incredible little details and flourishes that make it irresistible.

[@Jesus3Mars]

To me, every single one of her songs is a hit, and no one can tell me sh*t about it ❤

[@justju5t]

I LOVE the synth bass. It sounds so relaxing

[@FuriBeats]

I honestly thought the harmonies were sampled from that famous "ahh" vox from dilemma by nelly, i had no idea it was tinashe all along!

[@GrandPrizeFitnesAJAY]

This is ish! I love the chemistry between the artists here. So good!!!❤

[@Cmunoz281]

Loved watching this!

[@lysgworld7986]

The whole musical and vocal composition sounds Wickid! Brilliant! x

[@mg682]

The harmony was the piece that stuck out to me the most in the song. That is some uncommon harmony, and it works cuz it hooks u!

[@SongwriterPorshia]

That 808 is not weird it’s effing fire 🔥 you did that!!!!

[@crystalvaldez2539]

I love seeing the process! The process is always fun to watch!

[@KamisKisses]

And this is one of the reasons I respect Tinashe's artistry. Icon.

[@hnskiyo2784]

Been a fan of hers since day 1! Proud of you! 👏🏽

[@robert-ql5cp]

Really 😎 cool sound and I like your creative spirit! Keep up the good work.❤🎉

[@gabrielmoro3d]

Beautiful production.

[@CaldoHits]

I came here from Twitter after seeing a clip of the music video. This song is trippy. The 808 and chord choice reminds me of Tyler The Creator stuff. Heat🔥

[@TheeMan101]

I looooove watching these types of videos when it comes to Tinashe. She’s such a CREATIVE.

[@RYANNsounds]

Amazing!!!

[@pascalmacias478]

YEEES!!!! GIVE THIS GIRL HER FLOWERS!!! LOVE YOU TINASHEEEE

[@WinxThai]

Tinashe is so amazing :) she deserves all the praise she's getting

[@SilverStrumer]

4:42 - I get chilled lounge vibe moments there. Always wondered where that melody came from!

[@MONTEZSUIVANT]

I’m so happy for the success!

[@BaebyBear23]

Tinashe getting a moment during brat summer feels so right. Love her sm, so excited for the new album ❤

[@williepk3440]

Nashe the queen of hard working talented n forever keep going ❤️

[@heyimtreve]

stream her new single out now too 💖

[@zynperry8888]

I love tinashe before nasty viral❤❤❤

[@leslieliu8372]

I’m obsessed with this song!!!

[@bobbygilstrap9221]

Love it.💞

[@spectrumhairsolutions1765]

This was very interesting and educative too