“Tell Me” by Joey Bada$$ featuring Chlöe blends introspection, love, and doubt into a melodic conversation about trust and authenticity in relationships. Both artists bring their unique styles to this collaboration, with Joey’s confident yet questioning tone complementing Chlöe’s sensual, reflective vocals. The song explores themes of love, attraction, and uncertainty, examining what it means to truly connect with someone in a world where fame and fortune can complicate relationships. This review delves into the lyrical content, themes, and production of “Tell Me,” offering a full analysis of the track.

Overview of the Track

At its core, “Tell Me“ is about questioning the authenticity of love in the midst of external influences like fame and wealth. The track is structured as a dialogue between Joey and Chlöe, where they explore the motivations behind romantic interest and attraction. Is it genuine love, or is it driven by materialism and status? The song rides a smooth, laid-back beat that allows both artists to deliver their lines with clarity and emotion, creating a reflective yet catchy soundscape.

The repetition of the chorus, “Tell me why you really in love,” becomes a mantra, emphasizing the need for honesty in relationships. Throughout the song, Joey Bada$$ and Chlöe delve into whether love can withstand the distractions and temptations that come with fame and fortune.

Refrain: Chlöe’s Introspective Start

The track opens with Chlöe’s soft, sensual voice singing, “Can we do it on the low? In my head, in my head, too many people in here, in here.” This refrain sets the mood for the song, suggesting that the pressures of public scrutiny can make genuine connection difficult. Chlöe’s request for privacy and intimacy hints at the complexities that come with being in the spotlight. The repeated phrase “too many people in here” can be interpreted as a metaphor for outside influences and opinions clouding the relationship. This sets the stage for the exploration of authenticity that follows.

Verse 1: Joey Bada$$ Questions Motives

In the first verse, Joey Bada$$ immediately raises the central question of the song: “Tell me, why you in love with me? Is it money or the fame, or the fact that I’m livin’ in a lab, but it’s luxury?” Here, Joey expresses doubt about whether his partner’s love is genuine or simply a response to his success. He reflects on how things have changed now that he’s famous, comparing his current reality to the past when he was overlooked: “Used to pass a nigga by like tumbleweed.”

This contrast between past rejection and present admiration drives Joey’s skepticism about the authenticity of his partner’s feelings. The use of the metaphor “buzz like a bumblebee” refers to his newfound fame, implying that people only notice him because of his success, not who he truly is. Joey’s flow is relaxed but carries a hint of frustration as he grapples with the possibility that his success is attracting insincere relationships.

Verse 2: Chlöe’s Plea for Honesty

Chlöe takes the second verse, delivering lines that mirror Joey’s sentiments but from a different perspective. She asks for “a little bit of honesty” and “a little bit of trust,” suggesting that transparency is essential in the relationship. Her line, “Tell me, are you really in love with the thought of me?” questions whether Joey (or anyone else) is in love with her true self or simply with the idea of who she represents. This moment adds emotional depth to the song, as Chlöe echoes the same doubts Joey feels—both are uncertain about the other’s intentions.

Chlöe’s softer vocal delivery contrasts with Joey’s more direct questioning, offering a more vulnerable tone. Her plea for honesty resonates with the larger theme of the song: how can two people truly trust each other when they’re unsure of the authenticity of their feelings?

Chorus: Repetition of the Question

The chorus brings Joey and Chlöe together in a repetitive call-and-response structure: “Tell me why you really in love.” The repeated phrase drives home the importance of the question, as if both are seeking reassurance and answers. By repeating this line over and over, the song underscores the emotional tension between the two—the uncertainty is almost overwhelming, and the need for clarity becomes the central focus.

Verse 3: Joey’s Self-Assured Swagger

In the third verse, Joey Bada$$ shifts gears, bringing a more self-assured, swaggering tone. He boasts about his status, wealth, and style: “Must be the swing, money in the bank, I do what he can’t.” This line reflects Joey’s awareness of the advantages his success has brought him, but there’s still an underlying sense of doubt as to whether these are the reasons someone might fall in love with him. He continues to highlight his appeal—“I’m a star, I’m so fuckin’ raw”—but the questioning returns with “Why you really in love?” suggesting that despite his confidence, Joey still seeks deeper validation.

This verse balances bravado with insecurity, as Joey oscillates between flaunting his success and questioning its impact on his relationships. The reference to Shabba Ranks, a Jamaican dancehall legend known for his unique style and confidence, emphasizes Joey’s self-image as someone who stands out from the crowd, yet his need for emotional clarity persists.

Refrain: Chlöe’s Yearning for Privacy

Chlöe’s refrain returns, repeating “Can we do it on the low?” Her desire for a private connection suggests that she values genuine intimacy over the trappings of fame. Chlöe’s vocal delivery here is smooth and reflective, reinforcing the theme of wanting a relationship that is free from external pressures and distractions. Her repeated plea for privacy adds to the emotional complexity of the track, suggesting that both artists are looking for something real but are wary of the circumstances they find themselves in.

Verse 4: Joey’s Ultimatum

In the final verse, Joey pushes for clarity. “Baby, just tell me just how you feel,” he asks, emphasizing the need for transparency. Joey’s tone becomes more direct as he questions his partner’s motives, asking whether she’s really “tryna chill” or if she’s after something more transactional, like “just really want bill.” The line “Time is money like my .40 millimeter” not only emphasizes the preciousness of time but also Joey’s awareness that material wealth can complicate relationships.

Joey’s final sentiment, “If you ain’t in love, baby girl, me neither,” hints at his willingness to walk away if the love isn’t real. This line gives the song a bittersweet edge, suggesting that while Joey seeks authenticity, he’s prepared to leave if it doesn’t exist.

Production and Sound

The production of “Tell Me” complements the lyrical themes perfectly, with a smooth, laid-back beat that allows both Joey and Chlöe’s voices to shine. The instrumental is minimalist but rich, creating a reflective atmosphere that suits the introspective nature of the lyrics. The production supports the emotional weight of the song without overpowering the vocals, letting the questions of love and authenticity take center stage.

A Dialogue About Authenticity in Love

“Tell Me” is a thoughtful exploration of love, trust, and authenticity, with both Joey Bada$$ and Chlöe questioning whether the love they experience is genuine or influenced by fame and fortune. The repetition of the question “Tell me why you really in love” becomes a central motif, emphasizing the emotional tension both artists feel. Joey’s blend of confidence and doubt, coupled with Chlöe’s vulnerability and desire for honesty, makes the song a poignant reflection on the complexities of modern relationships.

The track strikes a balance between introspection and swagger, leaving listeners to ponder the nature of their own relationships and whether the love they receive is truly unconditional. Ultimately, “Tell Me” is a standout collaboration, showcasing both Joey and Chlöe’s ability to blend their distinct styles into a cohesive and emotionally resonant piece.