Temi T Shares New Single ‘Painted Intentions’

British-Nigerian spoken word artist Temi T returns with “Painted Intentions,” a striking fusion of spoken word, jazz, and R&B/hip-hop that feels as personal as it is expansive. Known for her fearless lyricism and genre-blurring approach, Temi turns inward on this release, unpacking the grief of a decade-long friendship ending and the lingering ache of being misrepresented. Where many artists shy away from platonic heartbreak, she places it at center stage, offering a narrative rarely explored in contemporary music with raw honesty.

The track’s sonic palette is lush and deliberate—layers of warm jazz instrumentation interlaced with hip-hop-infused rhythms create the perfect backdrop for Temi’s intimate delivery. Her voice doesn’t just tell the story; it inhabits it, shifting from soft vulnerability to firm resolve as the song unfolds. The production avoids excess, instead carving out space for every word to resonate. This balance makes the song both a head-nodder and a heart-stirrer, an experience that engages body and spirit alike.

Lyrically, “Painted Intentions” is sharp yet poetic, weaving imagery around the idea of being “painted” into false versions by others. It’s a reflection not only on betrayal and loss, but also on reclaiming truth and identity. That narrative, rooted in personal pain, becomes universal through Temi’s delivery—listeners feel the grief but also the strength in her reclamation. Fans of Little Simz, Noname, and Arlo Parks will immediately find kinship here, but Temi’s voice stands distinct, charged with its own cadence and emotional precision.

As a follow-up to her acclaimed debut Love Is Not a Medicine, this single marks a new chapter in Temi T’s evolution. It is more refined, more daring, and ultimately more vulnerable than anything she’s released before. “Painted Intentions” is not just a song—it’s an act of healing, a statement of artistic intent, and a preview of a boundary-pushing voice destined to leave an indelible mark on the intersection of hip-hop, spoken word, and soul.

Listen to 'Painted Intentions':

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