First Listen: Nali's ‘Options’

One of R&B’s newer voices, New York songstress Nali, has started to gain momentum over the past two years. In 2024, The Brooklyn born artist released ‘4U’, before a string of releases in that same year led to her dropping her debut album I Love Nali in 2025.

She grew up in Brooklyn and has earned public co-signs from artists including Khalid, Cash Cobain, and Coi Leray, which demonstrates the potential she has in the R&B scene. We get the chance to talk to Nali about the meaning behind the song, as well as the thought behind the complimentary video.

The initial reaction

Sung over an emotive piano-based production, which is both minimalistic and stirring, Nali, on her latest track, confronts the growing distance being created in a relationship, and also the impression that, rather than displaying open communication, she is in fact being phased out.

So, she leaves with grace. There is no drama here. Rather, soulful and gentle, she notes her observations on how she concluded that the situation has become unhealthy, her voice still holding a wistful note of affection.

Artist perception

"'Options' is more of a closure song. It’s something you put on when you’re ready to finally close that door with someone who you know is not good for you.

"I was ready to finally walk away and shut the door, and when I wrote it down that’s just what it ended up sounding like! I hope someone who’s struggling with releasing anything that doesn’t serve them anymore puts this on and can use it as an affirmation to let it go."

Visuals

The accompanying music video is intimately shot in warm hues and natural light in an apartment, with Nali and her love interest in a snapshot of moments and memories shared together, both goofy, heartwarming and loving, complementing the emotion of the lyrics and instrumentation.

"The video was a reflection of mourning the relationship", she explains.

"There are flashbacks to great times in the relationship, but there’s clearly a lot of hurt that’s strained the connection. It’s kind of a visual push and pull, similar to what you go through when that connection feels so strong and you know it’s time to wrap it up, but the few good times you shared make it difficult."

Nali will join Jordan Ward on his upcoming tour in 10 March, which starts at The Loft in Atlanta, America.

Listen here