Multi-talented Korean artist CL gained ground in the U.S. with her flamboyant premier single “Hello B+tches”. One year later, the chanteuse returns with her latest single and music video “Lifted”, exhibiting an entirely different environment, topped off with a showcase of uniquely mellow visuals.
In contrast to the edgy dance moves and explosive beats audiences witnessed with her previous projects, CL delivers a type of “feel-good anthem” with the video displaying the artist drinking, dancing, and simply having a good time as she struts down streets with several others jiving to a chill vibe.
Perhaps “Chill” is the exact word to define the complete output. From the lyrics—which were written by YG Entertainment’s Teddy Park, “I Love College” rapper Asher Roth, and CL herself—to the unsaturated cooler color tones, you’ll simply find it difficult fighting the urge to just unwind and—what’s the word, “chill”. You’ll even find CL chillaxing on a cloud, and if that doesn’t invite you to chill, what else will?
If the song itself strikes a rather familiar chord, it’s because it actually does. “Lifted” actually presents interesting interpolations of the 1993 Wu-Tang Clan notable single “Method Man”. And, in case you missed it, Method Man himself makes a memorable cameo wherein he and CL are seen dancing together and enjoying the moment (1:35-1:52 of video).
Directed by Dave Meyers (“Firework” by Katy Perry, and Missy Elliot’s “Lose Control”), the video’s entirety is painted atop a gorgeous New York City backdrop as CL and her crew parade through streets, bridges, parks, through historic SoHo to scenes displaying the landmark Brooklyn Bridge and, indeed, on clouds marveling the vast cityscape itself.
“Upside downside, inside outside / Hittin’ you from every angle there’s no doubt/ Poetry in motion, coast to coast and / Rub it in your skin like lotion”, perhaps, that is their way of suggesting “It doesn’t matter where or when—you can always ‘chill’”.
By Jods Arboleda for RAPstation.com
