Memphis, TN native Emi Secrest presents a soulful elegance with the track “Blue Balls” in her feminist quest to express acts of betrayal and guilt in the world of dating and relationships; hence, the lyrics “After all i’ve done for you, so tell me who you tryna fool... i bet you never thought i knew, caught you lying, now you’re blue.” The music video for this track is cinematic featuring jazzy, sophisticated theme colors and prominent cultural hairstyles of African-American women. The introduction to the video shows Emi’s assistant handing her a phone with evidence of her boyfriend cheating. She proceeds to walk to a performance stage set, grab the microphone, and release her peace. The tempo starts off slow with melodic background harmonies to go along with beat by beat electric guitar chords. Emi gives a short and sweet monologue before opening up her verse as well as throughout the song which reminded me of the natural essence seen in hip-hop storytelling. After the guitar bass line jumps into play, the tempo begins to pick up with a strong clap, a acoustic drum pattern evolves, and Emi’s harmonic vocals filled with neo-soul rhythm comes into fruition. Her musical style reminds me of a hybrid between Grammy-award winning Macy Gray and Fantasia Barrino. Emi has traveled around the world over the years with the lights of successful R&B artists, such as Anthony Hamilton and Leona Lewis. Her voice can also be heard on the theme song for the daytime hit show ‘The Real.’
Emi Secrest presents a soulful elegance with the track “Blue Balls” in her feminist quest to express acts of betrayal and guilt in the world of dating and relationships; hence, the lyrics “After all i’ve done for you, so tell me who you tryna fool... i bet you never thought i knew, caught you lying, now you’re blue.” The music video for this track is cinematic featuring jazzy, sophisticated theme colors and prominent cultural hairstyles of African-American women. The introduction to the video shows Emi’s assistant handing her a phone with evidence of her boyfriend cheating. She proceeds to walk to a performance stage set, grab the microphone, and release her peace. The tempo starts off slow with melodic background harmonies to go along with beat by beat electric guitar chords. Emi gives a short and sweet monologue before opening up her verse as well as throughout the song which reminded me of the natural essence seen in hip-hop storytelling. After the guitar bass line jumps into play, the tempo begins to pick up with a strong clap, a acoustic drum pattern evolves, and Emi’s harmonic vocals filled with neo-soul rhythm comes into fruition. Her musical style reminds me of a hybrid between Grammy-award winning Macy Gray and Fantasia Barrino.
By: Tyrelle Lee