A few days ago Toronto artist Jahkoy aired his album, Foreign Water, from which we could have chosen any of the seven superbly sexy tracks. However, with an unparalleled clarity, ‘Don’t Beg’ is a standout track. The restrained electric guitar fret sequence sets the tone for this smooth, minimalist R&B song. The whole production is kept to the bare essentials, which just a touch of reverb adding to an intimate atmosphere that builds through the stop-start percussion and the Canadian musician’s silky vocal delivery. In synchronicity with the steamy guitar serenades, Jahkoy soulfully pleads “don’t beg for love.” For most of this track, this instructive croon seems directed towards an anonymous other, but the closing line “I won’t beg for love, I’ll be fine,” provides a different perspective. It’s clear that the persona Jahkoy has developed in ‘Don’t Beg’ understands the pangs of desire and love, but he’s not going to give in to it. This song is a syrupy tonic for unrequited romance. - HT