B00sted explores what it is like to be put first, last, and in between on ‘Selfish’

Recommended Tracks: “Remedy”, “She Wanna”, “Intoxicated”
Artists You May Like: Post Malone, 24kGoldn, Bankrol Hayden

It is okay to be selfish. To take moments out of the day to work on yourself, treat yourself, do what’s best for you. To do so in a reckless manner…that’s a different story. To tear people down to make yourself feel better, to unapologetically lie or be greedy. Moments will come when you have to figure out how selfish you should be, if at all. When it comes to relationships, these lines can become a little blurry. How often do you put the other person first? Is it selfish to want to be near that person all the time? The answers are not so clear-cut, but there are songs out there that can provide a bit of relief – more specifically, the songs on B00sted’s new EP, Selfish. On Selfish, the Vancouver hip-hop artist plants us in a complicated relationship, showing us what it can be like to be put first, last, and everywhere in between.

With “Remedy” and “Intoxicated,” B00sted puts himself first. He gets into how scary it can be to love someone on opening track “Remedy,” suggesting that it is better for him to stay away than get involved. Over the driving percussion and lighthearted beats, he sings, “Baby, you’re my remedy / I don’t wanna fall in love,” the heaviness in his vocals indicating that turning away is easier said than done. On the R&B-rap track “Intoxicated,” though, B00sted puts more priority on the relationship and what he wants from the other person. Throughout the track, he spins lines about the excuses and the ignorance that he is constantly navigating. He mentions, “You run so far away from me, my love” and “We could’ve worked it out,” wishing that another force could intervene and save all that is slipping away.

We then go from first to last on “She Wanna” and “Lose Anything.” Inspired by the sounds of pop rock, B00sted uses synth, staccato phrasing, and playful guitar riffs on “She Wanna” to paint a lively scene. From afar, he watches a girl on the dance floor who seems like bad news. Still, he can’t help but be attracted to her, putting all reservations aside. As implied on “Remedy,” we know that B00sted would rather stay away than jump into something new because he does not want to get hurt. He cannot take a breakup well, which we hear on “Lose Anything.” We can feel the darkness and the devastation through the lyrics and vocals, as B00sted sings, “I feel like I’m running but I’m running in silence.” The persistent skittering takes us further and further into the ether, where B00sted struggles to find clarity. He knows that he has done more than enough to make things work, and even though he has “had enough of all your shit,” he still admits, “I need you.” Once he uncovers the strength he needs to embrace the breakup, he should be good.

At times, there is no putting yourself first or last – there is only existing somewhere in between. On the title track, B00sted reflects on where he is headed. He tries to decide if he is the one wanting to stay in the relationship or if the desire to stay is driven by the other person. Warily, he sings, “Maybe I want none of it right now / Maybe I want all of it right now,” the resent and confusion spilling out into vocal lines that soar over the song’s lowkey indie pop sound. The closing track “Used To Love You” finds B00sted and Montreal-based R&B artist Myles Lloyd contemplating their next moves. Acknowledging the ways they are losing touch with the other people in their relationships, B00sted and Myles have to figure out if they want to keep pursuing these relationships or move on from them. It is a tough call, but the straightforward production and smooth verses give it a sense of poise and confidence, making it a solid close.

Overall, Selfish is a fast listen, quick to present the feelings and emotions that B00sted describes. Their short duration makes it difficult to latch onto the messages right away, but the idea is that these thoughts and sensations are fleeting. And not only are they fleeting, but they constantly come up, reflected in the way each song more or less taps into similar narratives or topics. As much as B00sted wants to do the right thing and discover his answers, he returns to the self-doubt and insecurity that accompanies each moment, each song. It is all about the balance, when to be selfish or selfless – and while B00sted weighs his options, he can jam out to the vibrant blend of music he has created with this project.