British-Nigerian spoken word artist Temi T has returned with what may be her most vulnerable work yet. Her new single, “Painted Intentions”, delivers a striking fusion of spoken word, jazz, and R&B/hip-hop, serving as a deeply personal meditation on grief, identity, and the often-overlooked pain of platonic heartbreak. It is a track that positions Temi not just as an artist, but as a truth-teller.
The song was inspired by the painful ending of a decade-long friendship. Temi unpacks the raw emotion of being misunderstood and misrepresented, turning the grief of losing a friend into art that resonates universally. “The title reflects how people can create entire stories about you—paint versions of you in their mind—and treat you based on that image,” she explains. This idea sits at the very heart of the song’s narrative power.
“Painted Intentions” is sonically rich and layered, reflecting an evolution from her acclaimed 2023 debut album Love Is Not a Medicine. Where that project explored themes of resilience and self-reflection, this new single zeroes in on a single, searing wound and transforms it into poetry set to music. It is a masterclass in how vulnerability, when channeled with artistry, can create profound connection.
For fans of Little Simz, Noname, ENNY, and Arlo Parks, the track offers a familiar intimacy and lyrical sharpness while carving out its own unique space. Temi’s voice is both soft and commanding, weaving her story into a sonic backdrop that feels timeless yet modern. It’s an elegant statement that she is continuing to expand the boundaries of what spoken word can achieve.
As Temi looks ahead to a new full-length project in 2025, “Painted Intentions” serves as a preview of her growth as both a writer and performer. It’s not just a song—it’s a testimony to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder that even in endings, new beginnings are born.
