Since Wednesday morning, singer, songwriter and style icon Solange has dominated Internet waves with three unique releases. First, she unveiled an artistically unrivaled 112-page digital book on her website. Next, she dropped her third studio album, A Seat at the Table, which serves some of best sounds we’ve heard in years. Then, less than 48 hours later, two accompanying visuals for ballads “Don’t Touch My Hair” and “Cranes in the Sky” appeared on YouTube.
“Don’t Touch My Hair” is an unapologetic ode to those pesky outsiders who simply don’t understand the importance of our hair. “You know this hair is my sh-t/ Rode the ride, I gave it time/ But this here is mine,” she declares over an infectious beat. There isn’t an inch of room for misinterpretation, really. If it wasn’t clear on wax it’s clear on film: Solo Star is not here to play. She dances around with Sampha, by whom the track is assisted, as if no one is watching.
The video’s vibrant, minimalistic displays are credited to Knowles’ husband, director Alan Ferguson. Each scene pays homage to some of our most beloved hairstyles over the decades. While she sways in and out of self-composed choreography, Solange is, at one point, surrounded by male models. Rocking fly finger waves, the men break molds of Black masculinity. Apparently, their inclusion in her creative process was influenced by Ghanian artist and writer Lynette Yiadom-Boakye.
With all the buzz surrounding “Don’t Touch My Hair” it’s safe to name it the national #carefreeblackgirl anthem of 2016. Check out the full video below, and let us know what you think!
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