“Wild Thoughts” [ft. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller]

DJ Khaled isn’t discreet about his quest for success. Over the past decade or so, he has turned his unbridled lust for life into a brand whose value appreciates through memeable infamy. Most remarkable is his transformation into hip-hop’s great unifier, who seemingly has on speed dial just about everyone making waves in music today. Upcoming studio album Grateful will trade heavily in this firepower; fourth single “Wild Thoughts” calls upon the talents of Rihanna and Bryson Tiller.

The song relies heavily on a sample of “Maria Maria,” as if to ride on the nostalgia wave of the song that kept Santana, and the Product G&B, at number one for 10 weeks. He borrows liberally from Santana’s electric and acoustic guitar blueprint to flesh out the Latin rock aesthetic, over which Rihanna and Tiller croon in praise of lovers who inspire “wild, wild, wild thoughts.” Co-written by PARTYNEXTDOOR, the track swerves between innuendos and carnal statements, though Rihanna and Tiller’s vocal performances are restrained and controlled, making this less raunchy, and more sweet. In contrast to the title, “Wild Thoughts” proves that the ever effusive DJ Khaled can operate in a more subdued space—aside from shouting his tags at the start and end of the song, and an encouraging “Let’s Go!” after the first chorus, he saves his talents for the boards. The result is a measured lovers anthem, backed by some serious star power, with a rhythm that’s sure to keep dancefloors swaying as the summer months unfold.