The video, like the cinematography in the show, is conceptually and aesthetically striking. Explain the concept behind the video.
The concept of the video was developed by the folks at What Matters Most production company. It is about the hustle of a youngster in Harlem who is making his way through the city. By the end of the video, it becomes a bit more obvious that whatever he is involved gets him into some trouble with the guys he is dealing with. This is a very realistic approach to the concept of “needing a dollar” because I see the same scenario play out in real life in many different ways.
In the video, there is a second song that follows “I Need a Dollar” that is a melancholic, brooding soul song. What is that song? Why was it chosen for the second half of the video?
The second tune in the video is a song from the coming Good Things album called “Life So Hard.” It was the perfect fit for the scene and the director, Kahlil Joseph, really liked the song when I played it for him. At first he wanted to use the cover of Nico’s “Femme Fatale,” which is also on the album, but we both agreed this song was a much better fit.
For those who are unfamiliar with your work, explain “I Need a Dollar” and it’s connection to your overall sound. Is the single just a glimpse of your dexterity? What else should people just hearing about you know about your music?
“I Need a Dollar” is another soul song in my ever-expanding catalogue of music. In my first album, the title song, “Shine Through,” is a traditional soul anthem about being yourself and letting your soul shine. This new album is all soul, and other projects I have include elements of Hip Hop, salsa, dancehall, folk, and other styles. I am doing some songs with my friend In-Q and co-produced an album for Maya Jupiter. Exile and I are also working on another EMANON album.
What is your next release? Who will you be working with on it?
My next Stones Throw release is the album that “I Need a Dollar” is on titled Good Things produced by Truth and Soul. For now, I am just focused on this project and making sure everyone gets to hear my version of brand-new-old-soul.
