Shantel May has released her new single “The Hard Way,” which she co-wrote with fellow rising R&B act RAAHiiM.
“The Hard Way” finds May longing for an ex following their toxic relationship. Even though she is reminded of why they separated, part of her wants to experience the reciprocated love that she always envisioned.
She sings in the chorus, “Why is it always the hard way, your way? I don’t ask much, just my love reciprocated / I just need us sometimes, something to ease my mind.”
Speaking on her new single, May tells Rated R&B, “‘The Hard Way’ touches on a toxic situation that’s deeply personal to me. It speaks to the cycle of being with someone who always makes things difficult, leaving no room for growth for either person. In the end, you’re just stuck doing things the hard way.”
“The Hard Way” is the third single from May’s upcoming debut album. She launched her era with her Isley Brothers-sampled “Love It Here” featuring rising rapper Lola Brooke and followed up with “5 Minutes” featuring Tone Stith.
Of the latter song, May shared, “These two people don’t get along, and it just doesn’t work. When they do get along, though, it’s really good. So if it’s only five minutes, I’ll take it. I’m thrilled to share ‘5 Minutes’ with everyone. It’s a song that means a lot to me, and working with Tone Stith has been an amazing experience.”
May’s debut album will follow her 2021 EP, Don’t Let Them See You Cry, which featured rapper Westside Gunn.
Stream Shantel May’s new song “The Hard Way” below.
