You can tell when a legendary musician’s child works on their craft instead of copying their superstar parent. I felt that while listening to Brandy’s daughter, Sy’Rai, debut project, Cold War, released on August 28, 2026. It’s an eight-track deep soul and funk project that explores love, relationships, and being that girl.
From not being a guy’s business to telling a new lover to come see about her, I enjoyed every song. The beats remind me of Brandy songs like “Full Moon” and “Angel in Disguise.” You can tell she was inspired by her mom, but I hear only Sy’Rai on this EP. From the opening track, “Mind Ya Business,” to “Cold War,” the 24-year-old went into the studio with a plan: to introduce herself as a serious artist making real music.
Here are the best songs from Cold War, aka my personal favorites.
“Mind Ya Business”
“Mind ya business, find ya business, I ain’t ya business.”
Too often, people watch what you’re doing after the relationship ends. Always in “wishy-washy moods,” acting like they want you one minute and then the next, you’re old news. In “Mind Ya Business,” Sy’Rai makes it clear she’s no one’s business but her own and deserves more than someone who can’t stand firm in their feelings. So now, she’s doing what she wants.
“Late Night”
“Come see about me tonight.”
This is one of the first songs Sy’Rai released from the project and has a cute video with a cameo from her uncle, Ray J. A slower tune, “Late Night” embraces the idea of linking up with that special someone for a late-night connection they both have been yearning for.
“Bullseye (Nice Shot)”
“Cause my heart was the target, you hit it with a bullseye for sure.”
This song gives me early 00s lyrics on a ’90s R&B-style beat, and I love it. “Bullseye (Nice Shot)” tells the story of being lied to by someone you trusted. They did everything right to get close to your heart, only to break it into perfect small pieces. “Nice shot” reminds me of the saying “good game” because people who play with others’ feelings are in some kind of game of their own.
“Swimming Pools”
“I’m the only one that can make you focus.”
In this song, she sings about vibing deeply with someone. When a connection is as deep as swimming pools, it can sink or float. This tune is about staying above water and diving into the deep end.
Header image credit: Instagram/@syraismith
