Saweetie’s latest single ‘Is It The Way’ is a self-love anthem that champions confidence and femininity. The combination of empowering lyrics and smooth backing track remind us exactly why she has reached global popularity.
The song samples Jill Scott’s ‘The Way’, modernising it both musically and lyrically. Saweetie’s punchy verses liven up the song, and the addition of backing vocals to the chorus give it an uplifting, almost angelic sound. The heavier sound of the verses contrasts with the more mellow sounding chorus, taking the original track from being an RnB classic to a modern day Hip Hop hit with RnB undertones.
For decades, male acts in the music industry have boasted about being surrounded by women, jetting across the globe and flaunting their money. As a result, these things have come to be seen as typically masculine, while women have been expected to be modest and humble, in order to be feminine. Saweetie refuses to fit herself into that box. The lyrics have the same energy as an early Drake or Kanye song, but instead come from the female perspective. Saweetie is reclaiming the narrative, by showing that women can be both sexual and powerful.
“Is it the way” she repeatedly asks, listing features of herself that she deems to be attractive: the way she walks, the way she talks, how she does her hair, her thighs or hips, her vibe or lips. By drawing attention to her own physical attributes, Saweetie is reminding women that it is ok to love ourselves and to be confident.
The themes of self-love and empowerment are just as evident in the music video that accompanies the single. Saweetie’s ability to command any space that she occupies showcases her skills as a performer, and the daring fashion choices match her assertive energy. The fur coats, skin tight dresses and skirts, and towering heels demand as much attention as Saweetie’s dance moves.
Tajana Tokyo’s direction ensured the production of a striking video with alternating angles and cool, blue tones. The visuals are stunning throughout, but the contrast between the pink text and blue background used for the opening credits mean that the viewer is instantly pulled in. In particular, the brief shapeshifting sequence in which women’s faces morph into each other before turning into Saweetie is captivating. Blink and you might miss them, but if you watch carefully, the subtle sequences and transitions peppered throughout the video say it all.
As Samantha Jones said in Sex and the City, women now have “the equal luxury of treating men like sex objects”. This is certainly the energy that Saweetie channels in her latest video. She is seen walking along the streets of London as multiple men are unable to take their eyes off her. However, she struts past them with confidence, giving them none of her attention. In this video, she shows that she is definitely the main character.
Saweetie has already cemented herself as one of the powerhouses of the music industry, and with this single, she has proved that she just keeps getting better.
Leave a Reply