"New Magic Wand" (stylized in all caps) is a song by American rapper Tyler, the Creator from his fifth studio album Igor (2019). It incorporates elements of "Vsichni Praznj" by Siluetes 61 and features background vocals from American singer Santigold.

Composition and lyrics

Jon Caramanica of The New York Times regarded the song to be "like an industrial-funk reimagining of Miami bass music." ^[1] The beat contains a mixture of synthesizer, which has been described as "harsh hitting", "bassy", ^[2] "shuddering" ^[3] and "spooky", ^[4] a "staticky, low-thrumming bass" ^[3] and "dizzying percussions". ^[2] It also switches at one point. ^[5] The production also uses "candied keys" and "harmonizing vocals". ^[4] The lyrics deal with unrequited love, as Tyler, the Creator expresses his love toward a former partner, whom he also resents for having chosen another person over him, as well as his jealous and possessive feelings. ^{[2] [6] [7]} He mentions seeing a photo of the couple while thinking "I need to get her out the picture / She's really fuckin' up my frame". ^{[3] [4] [8]} Later, Tyler performs in high-pitched vocals, ^[7] during which Tyler tells his romantic interest "Your other one evaporate, we celebrate / You under oath, now pick a side". ^{[6] [7]} The song also features a brief spoken-word line from comedian Jerrod Carmichael. ^[3]

Critical reception

The song was well-received by music critics. Roisin O'Connor of The Independent considered it a standout from Igor. ^[3] Clash's Nick Rosebade wrote of the song, "This has the most abrasive and Tyer-esque [sic] vibes. Filthy beats and basslines remind us that he's still as devastating as before." ^[9] Sputnikmusic's Rowan5215 considered it among the album's "much superior retries of Cherry Bomb's industrial distortion-rap". ^[10] Daniel Spielberger of HipHopDX called the song a "dreary masterpiece". ^[11] Steven Edelstone of Paste described the song as particularly using a "heavier, more menacing" instrumental, before stating that the beat change "ranks as one of the best of the decade, rivaling that of Kendrick Lamar's frenzied conclusion to ' DNA.'" ^[5]

Music video

The music video was released on May 14, 2019. It sees Tyler, the Creator wearing an all-yellow outfit ^{[12] [13] [14]} and blonde wig in a bowl cut hairstyle, ^{[12] [13] [14] [15] [16]} and opens with him performing on a stage with a blue backdrop, starting from the song's repeating lyrics "Please don't leave me now". ^[14] Soon, the camera zooms out to reveal Tyler performing in a desert to an audience of five moshing people. He is then seen running off into the distance. ^{[12] [14] [15] [16]}

Charts

Certifications

References