Have you ever been stuck in a situation you know you should leave and do better than, but you can’t figure out the way to do so? If so, look no further than UK duo Arz and Laicositna This one reminds me of a mix between Lloyd Banks’ “Karma,” the guy version of the hook on Young Buck’s “U Ain’t Going Nowhere” and 2020s sadboi raps. That’s to say that “Lickback” features discussions about love, lust, how they’ve both screwed up situations and an acceptance of a current situation. That acceptance comes in the form of “damn, I want to leave and do to you what you did to me…but I can’t fully bring myself to completely cut her off.” Add that to the mindset of “…buttttttt, I would love to make her feel like she made me feel,” and you’ve got a banger. Plus, the production, from the beat to the Autotuned vocals, sounds pretty mid-to-late 2000s.

Overall, “Lickback” is a solid throwback song in its approach. However, it also feels very modern due to its lyrical approach on the subjects of love, crappy exes and lust. Overall, I believe that this song is radio-ready–which works in its favor. That’s because the song can inspire people to leave less-than-reasonable relationships themselves.

If this snippet intrigues you, I really recommend staying on the lookout for Arz’s upcoming album Honey, I’m Home. If this one’s any indication, the Q4 2024 release will bring a certain feel back to hip-hop and R&B, if only for one album. Check out “Lickback” below and support dope music in all its forms. Also, be sure to get your lickback against terrible exes by succeeding when they thought you’d fail.