Hailing from Manchester, Jamaica, rising star Lila Iké has been crafting infectious, genre-bending vibes for the past few years. Having recently inked a deal with RCA Records, Iké has liberated a new single titled “I Spy,” a warm-hearted number that makes us all wish we weren’t currently quarantined. The IzyBeats-produced cut shows Lila being up front with a love interest that’s earned her attention:
“I spy, spy, that you see something you might like, won’t you come over if you really feel it, ask all your questions, yes i really mean it/
Because me see you with your crew, just a boom and a go through, and I can tell say you admire the realness/
Look at me looking at you, now you don’t know what to do, just relax and no go inna ya feelings…/”
Via a press release, Lila Iké explained how the song came together:
“When Izy played the beat in the studio I just heard this ‘chek, chek’ and then this specific drum pattern that is familiar in Jamaican culture, so I started pacing the room and singing the chorus ‘I Spy, I Spy.’ Izy was like ‘Oh my god, that is it!’ I felt his energy, so it pushed me to go further and it blossomed into what it is today. I am really excited how it turned out and confident it will open new markets for me. It is going to be beautiful.”
“I Spy” is said to belong on the forthcoming seven-track EP The ExPerience, which will be released May 15. The project will also see production from Phillip “Winta” James, Ziah x JLL x Iotosh, and executive producer Protoje. According to Iké, The ExPerience will consist of “a mixture of songs influenced by reggae” that will show her “versatility and the different tones, values and vibes of a woman.”
Until that project finally makes landfall, fans can check out “I Spy” below.