Since Timbaland anointed Tink as his latest protege, the Chicago singer/rapper has been putting out singles full of references to the 90s hip-hop and R&B era that inspires her – Biggie on Ratchet Commandments and Aaliyah on Million. Winter’s Diary 3 marks a return to what she does best: zeroing in on specific, telling details about relationship dynamics.
This mixtape is presumably a holdover until her Timbaland-produced major label debut comes out, and accordingly it sounds more like a refinement in style than a bold statement. The spirit of real-talk 90s acts like TLC, SWV and Lauryn Hill are felt in Tink’s no-bullshit attitude, which comes through whether she’s singing introspectively (There’s Somebody Else) or rapping voraciously (L.E.A.S.H. – the mixtape’s lone Timbaland production).
Winter’s Diary 3 feels tougher and more bass-heavy – even on softer ballads – compared to its (superior) predecessor. The bit of fun, fluffy glam pop (Afterparty) that caps off the 10 tracks shows that Tink’s self-confident singsong flows are equally suited to playful pop.
Top track: There’s Somebody Else