Musiq Soulchild and Hit-Boy are back. The singer and producer have teamed up with rapper Dave East for their new track “OCTOBER 31ST,” fittingly timed for Halloween.
On the hip-hop soul-flavored tune, Soulchild shines a light on some of the horrors of the modern dating scene.
He sings, “These dating streets ain’t what they used to be / Tryna take things slow first time we meet / Maybe get some drinks or / Grab something to eat / They be tryna get flew out to Ibiza / First class flights / Hotels on the beach / Probably got a man but you with me on the creep.”
Later in the track, Dave East delivers a fiery rap: “You was so toxic, needed a gas mask / Usually the realest out the mix get the last laugh / Either the paper come in slow or it get fast / Acted like you was a fan, you was tryna get with Fab / I be knowing.”
Speaking on “OCTOBER 31ST,” Soulchild exclusively tells Rated R&B, “It’s about how scary it can be to date nowadays, for both men and women. The tricks and treats ain’t what they used to be. Y’all stay safe out there!”
“OCTOBER 31ST” is the lead single from Musiq Soulchild and Hit-Boy’s upcoming joint album, Victims & Villains 2, set to release Feb. 14, 2025, via Soulstar Music Company.
Victims & Villains 2 is the sequel to Soulchild and Hit-Boy’s 2023 project, which included the singles “beat of a slow dance” and “white rice déjà vu.”
In an interview with Rated R&B, Soulchild explained the concept behind the first installment. “[Victims & Villains] is a reflection of the series of conversations we tend to have about relationships and life in general, specifically interactions with other people concerning concepts of getting along, understanding each other [and] communicating with each other,” Soulchild stated.
He added, “A lot of people think they’re the victim, but really the villain. And a lot of people think that sometimes whoever’s telling the story about the villain might be the victim. It’s all a matter of perspectives and what you choose to subscribe to, myself included. Sometimes people take it like you’re wagging your finger at them. It’s like, ‘Nah, I’m included in that as well.’ That’s where it’s coming from. I did my own assessment. I’ve had conversations with people I respect to get their opinions and perspectives. Sometimes it’s not comfortable, but it is what it is.”
Not only will Soulchild release Victims & Villains on Feb. 14, but he will also begin his co-headlining R&B Invitation Tour with Joe and Eric Benét in Richmond, Virginia.
The North American tour will visit Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Baltimore, Dallas, Cleveland, Brooklyn, and more. The tour is set to conclude May 10 in Charlotte, though more dates will be announced later.
Stream Musiq Soulchild and Hit-Boy’s new song “OCTOBER 31ST” featuring Dave East below.
