Yaya Bey Announces Do It Afraid: New Single(s) “Dream Girl” and “Wake Up B*tch” Drops
If “Dream Girl” and “Wake Up B*tch” are any indication, this album will be a fearless exploration of identity, desire, and defiance, wrapped in Bey’s inimitable warmth and wit.
Yaya Bey is poised to make waves with her forthcoming album, Do It Afraid, set for release on June 20, 2025, via drink sum wtr. The Brooklyn-based artist, known for her soulful blend of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop, has already stirred anticipation with the announcement of this project, which follows her critically acclaimed 2024 album Ten Fold by less than a year. Bey’s ability to channel raw emotion into genre-defying soundscapes has cemented her as a voice of vulnerability and resilience, and Do It Afraid promises to deepen that narrative. In a statement shared on her socials, Bey described the album as a labor of love, born from her most vulnerable self, not rooted in trauma, as some might assume, but in a yearning for joy, love, and freedom. This framing suggests a work that’s as introspective as universal, a balancing act Bey has mastered in her previous releases.
The album’s rollout started with a double single release yesterday, featuring “Dream Girl” and “Wake Up B*tch.” “Dream Girl” is a shimmering, introspective cut that leans into Bey’s signature smoky vocal delivery, mixing a fabric of longing and self-assurance over lush, jazzy production. It’s the kind of song that feels like a late-night confession, equal parts tender and defiant. “Wake Up B*tch,” by contrast, is a bold, brassy wake-up call—its title alone demands attention. The track pulses with a gritty edge, blending sharp lyricism with a rhythm that’s as confrontational as it is infectious.
Bey’s collaboration with Drink Sum Wtr for this release signals a continued partnership with a label that’s championed her eclectic vision. The album also arrives on the heels of her recent single “Merlot and Grigio,” featuring Father Philis, which hinted at the sonic evolution fans can expect. That track’s woozy, conversational vibe is a precursor to Do It Afraid’s emotional depth. A fall tour is also on the horizon, giving fans a chance to experience these new songs live.