Mastering the "Anti" Attitude
Needed Me isn't about hitting high notes; it's about hitting the *vibe*. Released on Rihanna's 2016 album Anti, this DJ Mustard-produced track defines the modern R&B "mumble" aesthetic. The challenge is maintaining pitch accuracy while sounding completely unbothered.
To sing this well, you can't be too polished. You need a heavy chest voice, relaxed diction, and precise rhythm to navigate the triplets in the chorus. Let's break down exactly how to tackle it, section by section.
AI Coach Tip: Relax Your Jaw
Most users over-enunciate the lyrics. Our analysis shows that keeping the jaw heavy and vowels "dark" improves the style score. Think about singing efficiently rather than loudly.
Phase 1: The Verses (The Lower Register)
The song sits comfortably in G Minor. The verses hover around F3 and G3, which is quite low for many sopranos. You need to access your chest voice here without pushing air.
The Trap: As the line "Mustard on the beat" drops, ensure you have vocal fry ready, but don't lose the pitch center. It should sound raspy but musical.
Phase 2: The Chorus (The Triplet Flow)
This is the hook that everyone knows. The rhythm switches to triplets on the line "But baby, don't get it twisted." The phrasing "You need-ed-me" lands on specific beats that drag slightly behind the snare.
- Diction: Slur the words together. "Don't get it twisted" becomes "Don-geddit-twisted."
- Pitch: The notes aren't high, but they require stability. Avoid sliding too much; hit the notes squarely in the center of the pitch.
Phase 3: The Ad-libs & Texture
While the lead vocal is heavy and nonchalant, the background vocals provide a brighter contrast. The ad-libs reach up to a C5 in a mixed voice. These should be sung with more "twang" to cut through the bass-heavy mix.
When recording in the app, focus on the contrast between the lazy lead vocal and the sharper, more alert background runs.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal stays relatively low, but ad-libs and harmonies reach up to a C5. The main belt centers around Bb4.
Yes, but the challenge will be the low verses (F3). Sopranos may need to focus on developing their chest resonance to get that "thick" Rihanna tone.
It's about placement. Rihanna places her voice very forward but keeps her vowels dark. Practice "vocal fry" exercises to get that edge without hurting your throat.
