Released: 2016 • Features: Zara Larsson
“Girls Like” by Tinie Tempah, featuring Zara Larsson, is an upbeat hip-hop anthem that dives into the complex dynamics of attraction, success, and the games that men and women play. Sharply observed and loaded with cultural references, the song explores the gap between what people flaunt and what others desire.
In the opening verses, Tempah sketches a portrait of his own success. When he says “Said I was the man / All I ever needed was a plan”, he’s expressing the triumph of a self-made man who’s climbed the ladder in the hip-hop game. He’s got the materialistic stamps of his success – the “Roley on the wrist” and the femmes fatale who “give away her last Rolo.” When he tells “Russell I’m a brand”, he’s talking about Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam, one of the major players in hip-hop, flaunting his own wide-reaching influence beyond just music.
Tempah isn’t shy about flaunting his awards either, referencing his “couple BRITs and a couple MOBOs”. He’s calling out his legitimacy in the industry, solidified by accolades from the BRIT Awards (British Phonographic Industry’s annual awards) and MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards. By alluding to his hit song “Pass Out,” he highlights one of the milestones in his career, emphasizing his rise in the game and his continued fury.
Tempah also drops in some more localized UK references. His mention of “dropping off the mandem in my Polo / Now I’m with the mandem at the polo,” marks the transition from his days of riding in a Polo car with his crew to enjoying a polo match, a symbol of British aristocracy. That’s a dope way of highlighting his journey from urban street life to fame and fortune, showcasing his trajectory of growth within the industry.
When Zara Larsson jumps into the chorus, she flips the game, laying out what girls like: a good time, a bit of luxury symbolized by cruises around the West End and a ride in a Benz, and a man worth her time. She tells the boys out there with a sassy attitude: “Don’t need me a guy who’s a friend, better pick me up in a Benz”. This ain’t about falling for a sweet-talking player; it’s about matching her level and understanding her needs.
The song is a true back-and-forth between the sexes, a lyrical exploration of desire, expectations, and the hustle for success, framed in the context of the high-octane world of hip-hop. With “Girls Like”, Tempah and Larsson don’t just frame a catchy hook, they’re dissecting and discussing the dynamics of attraction, power, and ambition.
