From The Vault this week salutes one of the most pertinent moments of Ashanti’s career: her mini movie for single ‘Rain On Me’.
‘Rain’ was the second single lifted from the stunner’s sophomore album, the aptly titled ‘Chapter II’. Based on a sample from Isaac Hayes’ ‘The Look Of Love’, the cut was penned by Ms. Douglas herself and produced by partner (in crime) Irv Gotti back in 2003.
The track was yet another hit for former Murder INC stari, reaching the 7th position of the Billboard Hot 100, #2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop charts and peaking inside the Top 20 in the UK.
A poignant slow-jam – which narrates the tale of a woman in a draining relationship – was brought to life with the help of an even more compelling visual. Directed by the ever-inspired Hype Williams, the clip was shot as a short film and deals with the issue of domestic violence. The cinematography, the daunting sound mix as well as Ashanti and co-star Larenz Tate’s performances make for a titillating view. Judging by the multiple LidRock, Maybach or Creed product placements, we don’t think we are too far off when we say that it was a big-budget affair. Epic video for an epic song!
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Long gone are the days when Ashanti could make the world stop by releasing a video (don’t get us started on the mucky mess that was the ‘The Woman You Love’ video). Still, and as proven with the underrated ‘Declaration’, she is more than capable of delivering the “good good” (pun intended). However, with visuals like this (and its “cousin” ‘The Way That I Love You’) highlighting the importance of visuals for an act such as Ashanti, the indie route is not the one.
Nonetheless, all of us here at TGJ HQ can’t wait for that fifth chapter.
