San Diego Music Award winner Katie Ladubz’s latest track was described to me as “a pop/hip-hop love song for the ages.” Those are some big words. However, I was here for the swagger, especially since I knew that Ladubz would put her unique spin on a pop rap love song. The song itself reminds me of a mix between Doja Cat and early-to-mid-2000s Gwen Stefani. It’s a smooth ride through like, love and even a bit of lust, as it’s airy and bright but also sweet and tender. I’m not sure if it’s the greatest song ever made. However, the first track from Katie’s recently-released Diamonds project is very damn good sonically and lyrically and damn great at storytelling.

We’re taken on a ride through a summery adventure which finds Katie and her “shorty” just feeling each other out with hopes of love and maybe even some feeling on each other. It’s very cute and I don’t mean that pejoratively. I mean, it plays a bit like a high school crush in that neither Ladubz nor said “shorty” want to be the first to admit they really like each other. It kind of reminds me of how The Shawty and I first met. Both of us felt each other from the frickin’ jump, but neither of us wanted to make that first move.

There is a healthy dose of tension throughout “Shorty,” even through the poppiness. At the end of the day/by the end of the song, cooler and calmer heads prevail and we’re given a lovely track about those first feelings in a situation/relationship. Like I said, it reminds me of Doja meets Gwen Stefani on “The Sweet Escape.” If you’re interested, I say check it out and find love wherever you. And, of course, remember to support dope music in all its forms.