The city of New Orleans has birthed the likes of many talented and legendary artists, especially in the jazz and hip-hop genres. But when it comes to vocalists, one of its “best kept secrets” comes to mind, PJ Morton.
After ending his partnership with Cash Money Records, the R&B and soul-singer is stepping out and into his own. Since the release of his last album under the Birdman-founded entity in 2013, the New Orleans native has created his very own boutique record label, Morton Records, toured the world as Maroon 5‘s honorary 6th member/keyboardist and dropped a soul and bounce-infused compilation entitled Bounce and Soul, Volume 1.
The 10-track mixtape features some familiar tunes like the Lil Wayne-assisted “Lover” and “Only One” (featuring Stevie Wonder). It also includes guest appearances from some of NOLA’s finest – Trombone Shorty, Mack Maine, Dee-1, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh. Today, the musician and son of the well-known Pastor and gospel singer, Bishop Paul Morton, releases the visual for his 5th Ward Weebie-assisted track, “I Need Your Love.”
“It’s time to pay homage to my roots and the amazing music culture that has continued to inspire me here in New Orleans.”
The feel-good visual, which showcases the inevitable good times and fashionable threads that warmer days bring, was filmed at the Tekrema Center for Art and Culture in the Lower 9th Ward of New Orleans under the direction of cinematographer Allendra “Cinemadona” Freeman (who recently worked with Beyonce? for her visual album Lemonade).
“This song tells the story of a broken-hearted man living in New Orleans…a place where life, love and music continue on, no matter what,” says Cinemadona. “I wanted this video to reflect this theory of everlasting culture through love of music, history, family, and spirit. New Orleans brings out these feelings, and you can really feel it in this video.”
Like Morton, the city of New Orleans has been the host of many notable music videos from the likes of bounce queens like Katey Red’s “Where Tha Melph At?” and Big Freedia’s “Y’all Get Back Now” all the way down to Journey’s “Separate Ways.”
When asked about working with fellow creatives on the filming of the lively video, Morton adds, “’I Need Your Love’ was a fun collaboration that was brought to life through this video. I’m excited to share this with the world.”
Hit play below to watch the uplifting video. It’s the perfect way to prepare yourself for the approaching festivities that the Summer will soon ensure. You can also download the entire Bounce and Soul, Volume 1 mixtape over on iTunes.