Philly-rooted singer, songwriter and producer annonXL is wrapping up production on their latest project, So Horny That I Cried, and the mood evoked by that title — the feeling of being stuck between loneliness and lust — is crystalized in the new single “BFFR.”
Over email, annonXL describes the single to us as “a tragic story of a twisted love that has run its course but somehow continues to repeat itself.” It very directly relates this story of a relationship on unequal terms — “Why must you leave me lonely? Boy it’s pretty clear that you don’t owe me. / You never took me on a date. Only call me for the lovemaking. / But where’s your love?” At the same time, the character isn’t hesitating to pick up the phone, and that’s the conundrum.
It’s a classic lyrical drama that annonXL says draws on some of their favorite music: “The inspiration behind the production comes from the R&B classics Love by Keyshia Cole, followed by vocal references from Brandy’s Brokenhearted. These songs have always kept me sane in times of chaos, so I felt the need to pay homage to these pillars of R&B.”
Paired with “BFFR” is a lo-fi music video showing annonXL and fellow Philly-to-LA transplant Leeyuh Neptune joined by model Bintou Sillah on a ride around the city; it was directed by annonXL, Alex Wierciszewski, and Leeyuh Neptune, and you can watch it below. Follow annonXL on Instagram for more on So Horny That I Cried as the rollout commences.