How many rookies can say they’ve produced mixtapes, which could compete with albums? Tink can. The 20-year-old Chicago (by way of Calumet City) native has done it consistently with her Winter’s Diary trilogy. Following her XXL Freshman Class induction, she continued to showcase her artistry as a double threat with the third installment, Winter’s Diary 3. The 10-track solo effort–the album boasts no features–specifically showcases her vocal prowess and her ability to deliver cohesive, emotionally rich story lines designed for mature audiences only.
This was years in the making. Prior to joining forces with Timbaland in 2014 and inking a deal with his Epic led Mosley Music Group imprint Tink–born Trinity Home–was already setting the groundwork for her unique classic R&B and hip-hop infused lane. Her hard work seemingly paid off. While she’s certainly not the high school junior she was on Winter’s Diary, she’s evolved vocally from the mishaps on Winter’s Diary 2. She begins the 30-minute long cruise to heartbreak with her first diary excerpt; the C-Sick produced “I Like.” Setting the stage for a relationship rollercoaster, Tink illustrates phase one of courtship; by detailing the butterflies in the tummy sensation, which comes when you realize you are catching feelings. But unlike many of TInk’s peers, who are infatuated with the sexual aspects of partnership, Tink sings about desires beyond the bedroom. This young millennial wants a man who can “stimulate her mind.” Of course, all of this is cliche´, and the record struggles between simplicity and sentimentality.
Still coasting in a love-induced euphoric coma Tink’s soothing vocals effortlessly intertwines bad-bitch rhymes with the multifaceted falsettos of a love-struck schoolgirl. She is the voice of the youth as she narrates the high’s and low’s of adolescent fondness with confidence and ease, offering hints of subtle sex appeal in efforts to hit fourth base but without the overly-saturated raunchy rhetoric found on most contemporary cuts. “Very Very,” is the perfect example of her balance between showcasing her sensual side, being a ride-or-die chick, and a hopeless romantic. “To them bitches who looking and hoping one day that they fuck / The type of n—a I can trust, the type of n—a never fuss / He just let me run my mouth / Pull down my panties and make it so wet I forget what I was mad about,” she croons. Lyrics of that nature combined with her scat-like harmonic flow pairs well with the bouncy beat courtesy of Cookin Soul.
But by the midway mark, Tink is singing a different tune. It’s as if she has two tempos: drunk in love and the vindictive good girl, done wrong. Still a rookie, she superciliously proves the dichotomies are not as extreme as it may seem using her vocal range and refined flow as a bridge into her world.
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Tink snaps out of love and apparently back to the rap game on the Timbaland-produced “L.E.A.S.H.” Rooting for the independent women she’s aggressive, angry and downright gully as she dares a man to try and control her; because, truth be told she “never needed no leash.” Her braggadocio gradually transitions into a depressing moment of claritywhen she confirms her man has been disloyal on “There’s Somebody Else.” “Broke my heart in two (two pieces)/ Didn’t expect him to (say yes)/ There’s somebody else,” she sings. But even with all of the refreshingly raw sentiments, Tink can’t end the jaunt without entertaining her knack for touching on trending current events. “Stripclub,” outlines the redundant dancer’s dilemma we’ve grown fond of thanks to #HOESBEWINNING campaigns and whatnot. Nevertheless, the anecdotal yet again caters to Tink’s flare for tackling the art of storytelling—a feat some rappers have yet to master.
With Winter’s Dairy 3, Tink retreats to her origins and strays from the trendier vibes of “Ratchet Commandments.” She’s already paid homage to her to her ancestors, with the Aaliyah sampled “Million,” and now appears to be shying away from comparisons to late great because clearly Tink is Tink.A unique talent, who in her youth is not careened by the latest wave of the majority, but dedicated to addressing the harsh and sometimes overlooked realities of young adults today. This LP finds Tink continuing to explore topics from, to love, heartbreak, loyalty, and self-esteem.
As opposed to presenting a loosely interpreted collection of singles and ideas, Tink’s sixth mixtape sounds more like an album than a mixtape. Winter’s Diary 3 is an exceptional pre-album warm-up, highlighting Tink’s strengths as a singer, rapper and writer. From initiation in a state of bliss to ending with an 80’s inspired “After Party,” Tink is empathic to her own pain and heartache but remains optimistic when it comes to matters of the heart. After all she’s only 20-years-old.
