Ethiopian-born, Minneapolis-residing singer/songwriter/rapper Mati just got on my radar this past week with “appetite.” The song reminds me of Amine meets Brent Faiyaz with a bit of Roddy Ricch when it comes to the melodic rap components. Additionally, the song’s engaging and built up quite nicely and effectively from the beginning to end. It’s less about just sex and more about everything else including the sex. Sound-wise, its Roddy Ricch-reminiscent sound could be because “appetite”‘s producer is Yakree who’s worked with NBA YoungBoy and Roddy Ricch.

The song itself, from a content standpoint, is horny in the best way possible. It’s more sensual than just “let’s bone hard until I’m soft again,” which I always appreciate. It’s also more about building than just one-and-donning people. In fact, the song describes the lustfulness Mati has here for his partner but in a way that’s respectful and intimate and makes you want to grab a coffee before you grab hair and scratch backs. I love that sort of stuff with my contemporary R&B.

I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but songs that offer nothing besides “I’m horny, let’s sleep together and never talk about it again” often get passed up for the site–and my non-SOTB listening. As I mentioned, this one reminds me a bit of Brent Faiyaz in how playful but serious it in concurrently, how it’s sexual without being crass and it’s horny without sounding thirsty. In other words, it’s the perfect type of “hey baby, I’ve been noticing you and I’ve noticed you noticing me and I’ve noticed that we don’t even need a notice to do this” sort of energy.

If I’ve intrigued you (which I’m sure you have; otherwise you would’ve clicked off this review), I recommend checking out the song below and supporting dope music in all its forms. I’m convinced that Mati’s upcoming EP is just the start for this 23-year-old artist. If you like “appetite,” keep your ears open for the EP.