Toby TomTom links with Shake Dizzy on “23”

Coming from Akron in Ohio and now calling Long Island, New York his home, Toby TomTom is an artist whose career is as unique as it is impressive. With a musical journey marked by genre-breaking experimentation and a keen sense of storytelling, Toby TomTom has established himself as a versatile artist unafraid to blend styles to deliver something entirely new.

His impressive resume includes contributions to an off-Broadway production, crafting a song for an unsigned Alicia Keys and earning the prestigious ASCAP Abe Olman Award, attesting to his talent and creative vision. Toby TomTom’s music is a vivid fabric stitched from the threads of soul, funk, folk, rock, jazz and electronic music.

This original approach to genre-fusion has earned him critical acclaim, with his songs often praised for being both infectious and deeply meaningful. Since launching his solo career in 2018 with the debut single “Born 2 Be Free,” Toby TomTom has continued to evolve, releasing a series of tracks that showcase his engaging sound and thoughtful lyricism.

Now, Toby TomTom returns with his latest single “23,” a collaboration with hip-hop and reggae artist Shake Dizzy. The track is a captivating exploration of love, loss and the search for meaning, all wrapped up in an uplifting and energising pop-focused sound.

“23” is a song that manages to be both haunting and upbeat, blending elements of soul, pop, R&B and hip hop into a genre-blurring anthem that shines on multiple levels. The song’s context centres around a daughter’s plea for her father’s love, a deeply personal and emotional theme that Toby TomTom brings to life through his lyrics and composition. The haunting true story is underscored by the mysterious recurrence of the number 23, a motif that adds an eerie, almost supernatural layer to the track. This sobering context is framed by an uplifting sound that contrasts the weight of the lyrics, creating a powerful juxtaposition that draws listeners in and keeps them hooked throughout.

From the bright instrumental dashes and snapping beats, Toby TomTom spins his storytelling lyricism above, bending from soft tones to soaring delivery as the shimmering arrangement serves up a soulful pop jam. Cut with electric guitars and slick rapped flows from Shake Dizzy, “23” is the latest jam that showcases the sensational sonic output of Toby TomTom.

Listen to 23 below