With Monday dropping next week (8/30), Joell Ortiz is back with another single off his upcoming album.
After kicking things off with the Big K.R.I.T.-assisted “Learn Ya” and The Heatmakerz-laced “Captain,” the Brooklyn emcee keeps things rolling with a song called “Before Hip Hop,” produced by Hesami.
Paying homage to Craig Mack‘s classic “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” music video, Joell teams up with director Jovi to bring history to life.
“The ‘Before Hip Hop’ video is black and white by design,” Joell says. “I didn’t want to dress it up. I wanted it to remain as cut and dry and honest as possible. I wanted the camera in my face so the viewer could look in my eyes and see that it’s pure.”
“Before Hip Hop, I was a different person,” he continued. “I grew up in a rough environment that made me behave, respond and live in a certain way. I lost childhood friends (whose photos flash in and out of the video) way before I could even fully comprehend death. Yet, I found ways to smile, have fun and enjoy the hood with the homies almost every day. A simple video for the simple truth of a rapper from Cooper Park House in Brooklyn, NY. I’m just happy to be here.”
Check it out below and be on the lookout for Monday dropping next week.
