Brandy Returns With “Beggin & Pleadin”

The intro to Brandy's latest tune sounds like it was sampled from an old blues song, a variation on John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom." Eventually the track adds a more modern sheen—a notably contemporary rhythm section—but that bluesy foundation is important, as Brandy unleashes some of her most gravelly vocals. She's singing about the end of a relationship; on SoundCloud, she wrote, "Based on a true story!"

The song was produced by Pop & Oak, who have an excellent track record working with veteran R&B singers like Usher, Tamia, and Jill Scott. Listen below, and revisit Brandy's FADER interview.