Bronx, NY-born and raised rapper & singer BLKPRL keeps the summer going with the release of the video for his debut single, “Wannabe,” today. Directed by John Tashiro, the visual for “Wannabe” gives off a feel-good, block party vibe, perfect for these last lazy days of summer. The gifted singer-songwriter-performer has a hybrid sound that effortlessly pulls from his wildly diverse musical heroes from rap, rhythm and blues, Caribbean music, and even pop. BLKPRL’s life-of-the-party mantra is as ‘hood as it is sexy”—his mission: to make undeniable, universal anthems that move the body, soul, and spirit.
“Wannabe” is a lush, two-step single that features a nod to the Sporty Thievz’ 1999 street hip-hop classic, “What I Look Like.” The infectious energy on this track is a taste of what’s to come on BLKPRL’s anticipated debut project.
“I want people to hear my story while enjoying the overall vibe and sound that I’m putting out there,” says a passionate BLKPRL. “If there is any point in the day when people are feeling low, I want to inspire them to enjoy life. We’re so burdened by evil, calamity, and chaos… just all kinds of crazy shit. I want to be that break from the norm. I want to do what Frankie Beverly & Maze did. There could be a fight at a cookout, and then you hear ‘Before I Let Go,’ and everybody is now doing the electric slide. That’s my energy.”