FINALLY !! Rihanna's fifth single (US) 'Man Down' has finally made an appearance. The visual was just freshly premiered on BET's "106 & Park" (around 12am UK). The joint which was co-written by fellow Bajan Shontelle, had to be shot somewhere in the Caribbean to match with the rhythmic reggae sounds produced by Shama Joseph. The video was shot and directed by Anthony Mandler in Jamaica in April 2011. Mandler told MTV News of the video in May:
"It's just one of those songs that demands a strong narrative and visual...you can expect something that's dramatic and shocking and intense and emotional and uplifting and enlightening."
The last couple of videos Mandler has shot for RiRi have been very floral and pretty; not to say this one isn't pretty but the reality of the song is seriously emotional a tad disturbing and definitely dramatic !! When it comes to translating audio to a visual Mandler is your man, and he has lived up to every word he told MTV under a month ago. The visual other than the guns that add the 'gangsta' appeal that Rihanna told MTV of last year, really makes you want to book a flight out to Jamaica and enjoy the relaxed vibe of the island while sipping on some fresh jelly coconut juice - as Rihanna does in the footage. MESSAGE...Rihanna also tweeted earlier that there is a message in her 'shocking' track: dsds
"Very strong underlying message 4 girls like me! #listentoyomama"ONE ISSUE... the video could potentially be band from certain channels as did her S&M video, but this time due to the violent elements to the song and video. I'm hoping that they won't edit it or band it, but we'll see. Apologies in advance if the video doesn't work. With no further adieu, check it out...
COOL VIDEO!!