Chris Brown is showing fans what they “don’t know” in behind the scenes clip for his latest music video, which features vocals from the late Aaliyah. “They Don’t Know” took Brown to a Compton, CA neighborhood where throngs of screaming fans and extras gave a pumped up energy to the moody ballad.
Breezy first revealed the video concept last month at the BET Awards 2013 press conference, explaining the real-life inspiration behind his chosen location. “I shot it in the ‘hood. I went to 60th Street and Cedar Block,” Brown said. “[I'm] bringing both worlds together and trying to uplift the poverty side of the community and show them where I’m from. I’m from Virginia, but everybody comes from a broken home or being broke — I remember when I was.”
Hope this new single inspires change and unity! Life is a Gift. I love doing what I do. All the little things count!
— Chris Brown(@chrisbrown) June 2, 2013
Breezy directed the video himself, taking his production crew through the SoCal neighborhood for shots on the streets, staircases and rooftops. The first shot shows the singer surrounded by schoolchildren as he grooves along to the Aaliyah hook, before relocating his posse for some scenes along the sidewalk and on an apartment building staircase.
Fans also get a sneak peek at some of the dance moves he’ll show off in the video as he films some solo performance shots in a warehouse. Brown consults with crew members along the way on angles and set design, while a hype man directs extras to “Lean into that s***!” and “Give [him] some movement!”
Fans dying to hear the singer’s use of the Aaliyah sample can catch snippets of it throughout the clip alongside Brown’s own vocals. No release date has been announced for the “They Don’t Know” video, however Brown took to his Twitter account on Monday (June 3) to confirm that work on the track has wrapped, with all the legal details for the sample nailed down.
Paperwork finished today on the single! Get ready! I’m hype.. Lol
— Chris Brown(@chrisbrown) June 4, 2013
The song is the second single from his upcoming album, X, which will also feature Nicki Minaj, Kendrick Lamar, Rihanna, Timbaland, Pharrell and Diplo. X drops July 16.
- Nee-Sa Lossing, Radio.com
