LABEL: SOCIETY REVIVAL MUSIC GROUP
RELEASE DATE: MAY 22, 2012

Pop music is back in full force. For some, this is a joyous occasion. It’s like the 80’s all over again. For others, we’re waiting for the fad to pass into the annals of history again. In the meantime, the airwaves are awash with pop-princesses like Britney and hip-pop queens like Nicki Minaj. CCM is not immune to the cultural phenomenon, releasing albums by artists like Beckah Shae and Britt Nicole. Now, it’s TeTe’s turn, dropping her Society Revival debut, Outta My Witts.

“Clone Free Zone” opens up with Tete introducing her eclectic sound, very reminiscent of Nicki Minaj’s zany antics. It’s somewhat interesting to me that a song that challenges people to be original (while serving God), sounds a lot like her mainstream influence/counterpart. TeTe even vacillates between rapping, singing, and talking, in a relatively similar manner. She does it well, I just found it ironic.

“He’s The Man” is delivered well, but the concept is a bit cheesy. If one didn’t know TeTe was singing about Jesus, you might assume she was just talking about her boyfriend being awesome. It also took me several listens to catch what she was saying on the hook.

“Without You” features new SRMG artist Tyman and he and TeTe work really well together. Actually, this track is where TeTe really shines. The hook is simple, yet superb, running over a clapback beat.

The most “fun” track on the album is “They Don’t Stop (ft. C-Phresh and DJ Sean Blu)” and is as close to the Black Eyed Peas as TeTe is going to get. I couldn’t help but nod my head to the beat. “Revolution the Pandemonium (feat. Rel Paul)” follows a similar theme, though with a heavier rock vibe. 

This is music that is definitely going to appeal to pre-teen and teen girls. I can’t see a lot of guys working out to this or blaring it from the car stereo. So, if she reaches and connects with the appropriate audience, TeTe provides a positive alternative to the negative messages sold to us by the mainstream music establishment. My concern with Outta My Witts is that it won’t carry over time. When pop goes out of style again, TeTe will either have to adapt and change or run the risk of becoming irrelevant. Thankfully, she’s a double threat with her ability to sing and rap. There’s definitely room for growth as an artist, but only time will tell if that happens. But, until then, there’s something here for young girls to enjoy and parents to worry very little about.