Music videos are an essential part of music promotion and in this day and age where maximum awareness is needed for success, it's only right we help showcase some of the engaging visuals that have come our way in recent times. So there you have it, some quick video bits because you might just like what you see. Check our past editions here.
Nando The Native – "Honest"
Nicaraguan-born, Berlin-based R&B singer/songwriter Nando The Native gets brutally "Honest" in his latest effort. The guitar-driven number tackles the delicate issue of fetishization of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) by certain individuals. Armed with his distinct melodic runs, Nando delivers a tale about a lady who is infatuated with his skin colour and not his personality, which leads to a breakdown in their relationship. The accompanying visuals bring the song to life with its engaging storyboarding and cinematic set pieces.
Sarah Isabella – "Intuition"
Rising East London-raised singer/songwriter Sarah Isabella caught our ears with her latest release titled "Intuition", the lead single from her forthcoming debut EP. The sublime jazz-infused piece is made up of rich textures, warm pads, and heavenly horns with soft drum grooves. As well as slick guitar licks underpinned by her enthralling and sultry vocals that implore us to trust our gut feeling and connect to the very thing that keeps us grounded. The visual employs eye-popping effects, moody lighting, and performance shots that capture growth and self-discovery as time passes by.
Temptress – "Heaven Sent"
UK R&B-pop duo Temptress caught our eyes and ears with their new release titled "Heaven Sent", a song that blends pop sensibilities with modern R&B and garage rhythms. The result is a sublime and alluring piece ripe with sultry melodic runs and candid songwriting that dwells on the flip side of human nature, such as the cheeky and mischievous acts that people can engage in. The accompanying video is reminiscent of 90s off-beat pop clips that use engaging motifs, performance shots, and an engaging storyboarding that captures the duo's distinct style.
Sons Of Sonix x BELLAH – "Motion Sickness"
UK production duo Sons Of Sonix team up with vocalist BELLAH to deliver some soothing vibes in their new collaboration "Motion Sickness". The mellow Afrobeat/R&B-infused tune is anchored on BELLA's commanding vocal runs and lyrics that explore the concept of setting boundaries and conserving one's energy around others. Overall, BELLA pours her heart out on wax with every fibre of her being as she realizes that you can't please everyone and it's best to find inner peace by being true. The visual is straightforward and focuses mainly on BELLA's performance with the duo of Mikey and Moses doing what they do best in the studio.
E K L Y – "Kisses in the Forest".
Charlotte, NC-based alternative hip-hop artist E K L Y shares the visuals for his single "Kisses in the Forest", a reflective piece that explores the duality of nature, be it good or bad, and how each person perceives things differently. The production is warm and surreal while his airy vocal runs stay prevalent throughout. The visual taps into the positive and negative side of things with director Sommer blending ethereal set pieces with E K LY's subtle performance style. This collaboration marks the fourth video between E K L Y and Sommer, with 3 more coming in the following weeks.
Bryson Cole – "Final Warning".
Arlington, Texas,-raised Bryson Cole issues the "Final Warning" with the help of ParisChariz. Over the soulful sample and thumping bass-driven drums, the duo delivers street-savvy bars peppered with insight and gems for listeners to grow on. The visual mainly uses performance shots and engaging visual techniques that showcase the duo's distinct rap styles.
Manny Grey – "Step By Step"
Brockton, Massachusetts-based rapper Manny Grey delivers the visual for his song "Step By Step". The track is made up of punchy drum grooves and cinematic samples underpinned by his gruff vocals and unapologetic view of what modern-day inequality and urban decay look like. The visuals are quite engaging and employ a gripping storyboard that draws listeners deep into the mix with its motifs, use of allegories, and overall cinematic feel.
Gozie Ukaga – "Interstate 94"
Minnesota-based Nigerian-American singer/songwriter/producer Gozie Ukaga drops the visuals for his song titled "Interstate 94". The self-produced guitar-driven tune explores the dynamics and uncertainty of blossoming love and the growing pains that come with it. The visuals follow Gozie on the ultimate search for the true meaning of love. He is currently working on a full-length effort titled COLOR LP.
Dax – "Dear Alcohol" MEGA REMIX"
Canadian rapper/ singer Dax returns with a megamix version of his previous release "Dear Alcohol" and this time he comes with a dozen artists from across the globe to share their perspectives on alcohol addiction and its negative effects. Some of the new artists he featured on this version include Kelsie Watts, Kayla Rae, SkyDxddy, Phix, and others.
Kosha Dillz – "With Everything That's Goin' On…What's Goin On?".
New Jersey-based rapper Kosha Dillz continues to give listeners his thoughts on the ongoing war in Gaza with his latest input being "With Everything That's Goin' On…What's Goin On?". Backed by a sombre soundscape with downtempo but punchy drums, Kosha talks about the indirect effect of the war as the death toll rises and despair fills the air with changing policies and social divide amongst people here in the states and in the warring zones. Not the one to play safe, he also touches on the issue of mental health, and performative activism and questions his motives in the same vein. The visual follows the rapper in different spots during a protest rally and across the city of NY.
Cousin Vinny – "Capone" (feat. Margarida)
Chicago-based Indian-American artist and producer Cousin Vinny drops the visuals for his song "Capone" featuring Margarida. The mellow but bouncy tune is made of a sombre guitar lick and soothing textures underpinned by the duo's distinct raps. Cousin Vinny set the tone with his laidback flow followed by a chorus and Spanish rap verse from Margarida. The visual uses black-and-white colouring and a blend of performance shots that capture both artists in their element.
ACZINO – "La Playa"
Mexican hip-hop artist ACZINO and revered producer/rapper Scoop DeVille team up for "La Playa", a punchy and speaker-bursting tune ripe with lush synth plucks, Spanish guitar licks, and thumping drum grooves. The track sees the rappers imploring people to come through and have fun after a day of hard work. For the visuals, they teamed up with LA-based director Estevan Oriol who helps bring the song to life with his cinematic style and unfiltered representation of the art and party vibes of the West Coast rappers.
