Ever since exchanging monikers from NEWMONEY to Jay Americana, rapper Jay Douglas has generally swung back and forth between creating creating quirky trap-pop anthems and introspective songs that examine his identity as a queer artist. With “Rely,” however, we’re exposed to a new wrinkle in Douglas’ creative repertoire, one that explores the complex emotions that are often associated with romantic yearning and sharing the most intimate parts of yourself with someone you love.
“The song is about coming to the realization of how much meaning someone, specifically a significant other, gives to your life,” Douglas explains. “When I wrote it, I intentionally left it up in the air as to whether or not relying on your partner is always reciprocated or good for you. A lot of the new album, Like You’ve Seen a Ghost, is inspired by a prior relationship of mine and ‘Rely’ especially is. I often have trouble verbalizing my feelings for someone and [the song] is meant to express those deeper, sometimes complicated feelings.”
While Jay Americana has produced pop-oriented songs in the past, “Rely” is the most overt in its approach. Producer Aquinas keeps the beat spacious and spare, utilizing open synth chords and a steady snare to drive the track forward. The opening hook is delicate and airy but catchy nonetheless, maintaining a kind of sing-song appeal that lingers in your head. Even Douglas’ rapping is some of his most immediate and direct, forgoing obtuse metaphors or intricate wordplay in favor of a no-frills outpouring of his hopes and fears.
Joining him on the track is rising artist 13casey whose seductive croon encases the second half of the song in a brooding, melancholy mist. It’s just enough of an emotive shift to send “Rely” spiraling into the ether like a lover succumbing to the pangs of desire and devotion. For Douglas, it was only a matter of time before the pair collaborated together, and the track’s moody atmosphere proved to be the ideal fit for her beguiling style.
“I fell in love with Casey’s musicianship when I first heard her EP, 13,” Douglas says. “I just knew that it was only right we collaborated on a track. We had been chatting back and forth about working together until I wrote ‘Rely’ and realized just how perfect her voice would sound on it. I expected great work, but when I finally heard her vocals, even separate from the instrumental, I knew we had something special. I don’t think this song would be nearly as amazing without her.”
Listen below.