This song is part of our “THE SUMMER 97 (1998 x 2023)” playlist. Check out the full list.
There’s a certain confidence that culminates within someone once they’ve finally realized their true potential. On “cut,” Tori Kelly struts into newfound swag, flanked by a crew of creatives with whom success is the only option. The Y2K R&B-inspired track not only takes inspiration from the era, it taps in, too. Kelly and Jon Bellion’s team enlisted additional input from both Timbaland and Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins to ensure the nostalgic knocker is as authentic as can be. Kelly flourishes atop the immaculately produced “cut,” effortlessly showcasing her vocal prowess with enough skill to make her influences proud.
Listen to Tori Kelly’s new EP, “tori,” or buy some Tori Kelly vinyl here.
In celebration of summer, the staff at THE 97 has compiled a playlist containing some of our favorite summer songs, from then and now. Each day we will reveal one song, rotating daily between past and present with pairings from 1998 and 2023, for a total of 97 days/songs. Since we love nostalgia, we’re celebrating summer songs from 1998 as they turn 25, alongside new songs that we feel deserve some shine. Pairings could be thematic, sonic, or based connections between the artists.