Music

Sia And Burna Boy’s Animated ‘Hey Boy’ Video Is A Psychedelic, Cool World

The song is on the soundtrack of ‘Music,’ Sia’s directorial film debut. …

Sia isn’t bad, she’s just drawn that way in the trippy animated video for her new song “Hey Boy” featuring Burna Boy. The song is the closing track on the soundtrack to Sia’s upcoming directorial debut Music, which stars Kate Hudson, Leslie Odom Jr., and Maddie Ziegler.

The video is directed by Rafatoon and turns Sia and Burna Boy into cartoon characters straight out of classic animated films like Who Framed Roger Rabbit? — or maybe Cool World, the reference to which probably just carbon-dated me as a fossil. The video also takes inspiration from anime and the psychedelic Yellow Submarine short film, as Sia’s lounge singer not only sings her way through the old “wolf whistle” trope but also flies through a pair of trippy dream sequences. Burna Boy is an anthropomorphic cat, for some reason, but don’t worry — at least his grill is intact.

Music is set to follow estranged sisters played by Hudson and Ziegler, whose relationship is helped along by Odom Jr.’s neighbor character. It’s being described as a musical drama, so it helps that the music is provided by Labrinth as well. The film debuts on IMAX screens on February 12, 2021.

Watch the “Hey Boy” video above.

Music – Songs From And Inspired By The Motion Picture is out 2/12 on Monkey Puzzle/Atlantic. You can pre-save it here.

Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Album Review

R3b3l I explores self-discovery through sound on “A Different Frequency” album

In a music scene often ruled by lyrics, R3b3l I proves that you can tell a powerful story without a single lyric. “A Different Frequency” is a twelve-track instrumental hip-hop and rap-inspired album inviting you into a deeply personal journey of growth, self-discovery, and purpose, speaking its message purely through mood, rhythm, and expression.

“Dance Before the Throne” opens the album, immediately establishing the tone of reflection and reverence. From here, “Elevate” and “The Wave” continue, adding momentum and a sense of movement and change. Each piece is a chapter in a larger story, allowing you to interpret the music with your own experience.

Songs like “I AM Power,” “Level Up,” and “Awaken” seem to be a big part of the progression of the album. The energy is one of empowerment and inner evolution. “The Jazzy Hop” is a nice change of pace in style, with a smooth, groove-flavored taste that shows R3b3l I’s versatility. Meanwhile, “Carousel,” “Raindrops,” and “Heartbeat” are moments of introspection that balance uplifting themes with emotional depth and openness.

The project wraps up on an emotional high with “Ancestors,” a heartfelt tribute to the forebears and the invisible forces that still influence us on our journeys. It’s a fitting way to close out an album about connection, growth, and purpose. “A Different Frequency” is more than a collection of tracks with carefully constructed instrumentals and thoughtful sequencing, and it’s a rewarding journey for those who want immersive instrumental hip-hop with heart, imagination, and substance.

Connect with R3b3l I on | Spotify | TikTok |

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

“Signalling Signatures” finds Mr Pigeons exploring dreams, truth, and hidden meanings

While the first look at an upcoming project usually sets the expectations, Mr Pigeons does something more ambitious with “Signalling Signatures.” With this release, the hip-hop artist opens up a portal into “Shining Arras,” inviting you into a world where dreams, symbols, and hidden meanings collide.

“Signalling Signatures” is an exploration of the thin veil between reality and imagination, based on themes of altered consciousness and shifting perspectives. The song is a mix of mythology, film, and spiritual symbolism and encourages you to look beyond the ordinary and find the messages in everyday life. Mr Pigeons delivers with purpose and swagger, blending introspection with crisp storytelling. He also renders the abstract ideas of the song accessible.

The thing about “Signalling Signatures” that is so compelling is its sheer audacity to challenge you. There are no easy answers in this song, only a quest for truth, perception, and uncertainty. A good opening chapter to “Shining Arras,” and it manages to build up suspense as well as showing Mr Pigeons’ artistic vision. “Signalling Signatures” is a good introduction to what could be an interesting new creative phase for the artist.

Connect with Mr Pigeons on | Website | Spotify | X | FB | TikTok | IG |