"OTW" (an acronym for "on the way") is a song recorded by American singers Khalid, Ty Dolla Sign and 6lack. The artists co-wrote the song with Brian Alexander Morgan, Idan Kalai and its producer Nineteen85. It was released by RCA Records on April 20, 2018, as a stand-alone single, later added as a bonus track on the vinyl of Khalid's EP Suncity (2018).
Release
On March 31, 2018, Khalid posted a snippet of the song on Twitter.[1] He officially announced the single during the nominations announcement for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards.[2]
Composition
"OTW" is a dark and melodic R&B song with '90s influences.[3][4] It features a "silky smooth" and "mellow" production,[5][6][7] backed by "a trap-infused R&B beat".[8] A booty-call theme channels throughout the track,[9] as the artists sing about meeting up with a love interest.[10]
Critical reception
Michael Love Michael of Paper regarded the song as "a refreshing slice of smooth, radio-ready, but throwback '90s R&B". He praised the song's "undercurrent of bittersweet melancholy characteristic of the genre's most forward-thinking productions", describing it as "an addictively rhythmic tune".[11]MTV News' Ross McNeilage wrote: "The slick and sultry track is a nice extension from the sound of his debut album, and 6LACK and Ty Dolla $ign complement the song perfectly."[12] Devin Ch of HotNewHipHop praised Khalid's songwriting talents, writing that "all performers adhere to the general 'vibe' of the song".[13] Lauren O'Neill of Noisey described the song as a destined summer track, writing that it "feels most like a head massage you'll hear all week". He complimented Khalid's ability to produce a "relentlessly catchy but also somehow extremely laid back hook".[14]
Music video
The music video for "OTW", directed by Calmatic, premiered via Khalid's Vevo channel on July 3, 2018.[15]
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 21. týden 2018 in the date selector. Retrieved June 7, 2018.
^"ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201821 into search. Retrieved June 7, 2018.