On Friday, Teyana Taylor released two new songs “Bare Wit Me” and “Made It,” while paying tribute to 2020 graduates and Michael Jackson in the visuals.
“Made It” is a tribute to the 2020 graduate class, which wasn’t able to receive a ceremony or a big celebration that is usually expected, due to COVID-19. The song uplifts all the graduates to assure them that they “Made It” and to go let the stress of school free.
In the visual, she holds a backyard ceremony and brings graduates together via webcam, placing the tablet onto chairs. She enjoys the moment as she gives her speech, or her song, and dances behind the podium. The graduates also sent in video clips of them in their cap and gowns, while they took in their accomplishment. By the end of the video, Taylor held a conversation with the graduates to congratulate them and share her experience of not attending a graduation, since she was already in the industry.
The Harlem native took to Instagram to congratulate the class and announce her video.
“Unfortunately, this pandemic has stopped us from physically gathering and celebrating all the hard work you’ve put in through the years,” her post read. “But this pandemic can’t stop your spirit, it can’t dim your light, and it can’t take your degree away from you!! So when you make it out of this dark time, shine bright and light up the world!”
As for “Bare Wit Me,” Taylor brings out her inner dancer personality. The song challenges her love and relationship, as she speaks on trust and being indecisive. The ultimate message of the song is her asking for patience from her lover hence “Bare Wit Me.”
The visual has a suspense movie theme, as she kills the man she loves on his deathbed. It then moves into being questioned by a detective, where we can find her and her back-up dancers dressed up in a suit and hat while recreating a Michael Jackson-like chorography. The talented female artist hits the iconic “Smooth Criminal” lean move to end the visual.
Earlier this month, Taylor announced that her sophomore album “THE ALBUM” is expected to release in June 2020.
