Atlantic Records’ Kevin Weaver wanted to go bigger than ever while putting together soundtracks for DC’s Harley Quinn spin-off film— Birds of Prey—and that he did! Only he could think of putting together the two female powerhouses of modern rap and hip hop game to bedazzle us with their magic. So, what do you get when you mix the innocence of Normani with the sassiness of Meghan Thee Stallion? The answer is “Diamonds”. The track is a modern-day take on Marilyn Monroe’s iconic rendition of “Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend,” from the movie “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes”. Besides Normani and Megan, Birds of Prey: The Album, is an all-female ensemble of queens like Doja Cat, Saweetie, Halsey, K. Flay, Lauren Jauregui, and many more. The braggadocious lead single by the dynamic duo is the ultimate female power anthem that boasts self-esteem and empowerment.
The highly-anticipated track and music video immediately set the internet on fire upon its release, and all for good reason. The song plays to the strength of both singers. Accompanying Normani’s husky delivery and Meghan’s fierce rap verses is the track’s flashy music video that intercedes an additional layer to the original meaning of the song. It is a paragon of creativity and a visual representation of how far a music video crew can really go to create a masterpiece. From the epic lightning and cinematography to the ultra-vibrant set designs, fancy nails, jaw-dropping outfits, and the dope choreography, everything is so on point. The badass video director, Jora Frantzis, alongside Rob Witt (director of photography), beautifully captured the gorgeous looks, crazy persona, and vivid actions.
The track is written by Megan and Normani in collaboration with pop hitmakers, Tayla Parx and Louis Bell (who also co-wrote Camila Cabello’s smash hit “Havana”). Together, the Houston Hottie and Atlanta singer deliver Harley Quinn on baseball-bat-assisted-fierce energy in the track’s video. Both Megan and Normani are dripping in finesse as they boast about shopping at Tiffany’s and Cartier, two of the most high-end jewelers in the world. Meg is seen fighting off tuxedo-ed men, rejecting any requests to be her boyfriend. Well, that’s only within reason considering how her previous relationship ended in Oct 2019, when rumors of her breakup made rounds that she had broken up with her then-boyfriend, Moneybagg Yo, as he impregnated another woman! No wonder, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but they are definitely no longer required to be gifted by men is the vibe she is going for. Check out some of the lyrics below!
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend (Tiffany)
Di-Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
Southern girl in me, I ain’t afraid to catch a case
VVS’ on me and I flooded out the face (hey, hey, Cartier)
Diamonds are a girl’s best friend (Tiffany)
Di-Diamonds are a girl’s best friend
I don’t need you, I got flooded out baguettes
I don’t need you, all my diamonds drippin’ wet (Cartier)
I’m a super she-roe, bitch, don’t try me, hoe
Bad like a villain, I pop it and then I reload
All the best things in life come for free
B-But don’t you think that applies to me
I do what I want ’cause I know that I’m hot
Ain’t in a band, but you know how I rock
Don’t need no clippers to give you a chop
Took me to dinner, then I took him out
Proving her ‘Hot Girl’ persona, Meg tries to relate to Harley Quinn’s character as she brags of being well-versed in handling guns. Over the racy pop-rap rhythm, Normani’s lyrics interpolate a more materialistic approach. Repeatedly singing “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” and bragging about her dazzling rocks, the singer sounds a bit corny, specifically on the pre-chorus. Meg also mentioned that Normani, Harley, and herself do not fit into the stereotypical molds of ladylike figures that society wants them to be. They are bold and fearless leaders who make their own rules and are at the top of their game! They manifest their own destiny and wear their unique identities like a crown. And why not?
Throughout the video, both Megan and Normani are rocking massive sledgehammers like an accessory, channeling their inner Harley Quinn, and pulling off catchy stunts coordinated by TJ White. The production designer, Brielle Hubert, did a great job in bringing everything together with the video producer, Jay Tauzin, a renowned name in the industry who has worked with the likes of John Legend, JLo, and DJ Khaled to name a few. Both Meg and Normani are draped in jewels and sexy outfits, surrounded by dancers. Sean Bankhead is the choreographer behind the smashing dance sequences. Stylists Rafael Linares and Louis Verdad deserve a round of applause for envisioning such iconic looks. The flawless editing is the handiwork of Andres Jones, BonchPost, and Vinnie Hobbs that added a larger than life narrative in the video. Scissor Films‘ Alecks Ver really did a remarkable job by adding sheen and finesse to the video with color and beauty effects. Scissor Films also provided VFX for the song, “Diamond.” I’ll link down the VFX break-down video below so that you all can see the amazing effects and how only a few enhancements by them really made the difference.
It’s only befitting that the dynamic duo teamed up for an equally powerful female superhero movie track. I am rooting for such amazing collabs in the future. What are your thoughts on this song? What did you think of the Warner Bros Film adaptation of the beloved DC comic anti hero Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn ?
Become one of the r1MxCSRWgI0 viewers by clicking here. For a further breakdown of the visual effects, click here.