Chris Brown Asks Zendaya To Release Their Shelved Music Video From 2016
In recent years, Zendaya has been laser-focused on her acting career as opposed to dabbling in music as she did before. It seems to have paid off heavily, as she nabbed an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her critically-acclaimed turn as Rue Bennett in Euphoria.
One of her music collaborators from several years ago, Chris Brown, is now asking her to release a music video that she presumably pulled because of his bad behavior.
‘Something New’ was released in 2016
Zendaya released something new in 2016. The song was initially supposed to feature Babyface, the song’s co-writer and co-producer before Brown was added to the track. It heavily samples the melody of the hit 1994 TLC song, “Creep.” It was reportedly supposed to be the lead single for her sophomore album that never got released.
The music video was set to be released, however, Zendaya pulled it as Brown was receiving a lot of backlash. He made controversial remarks about R&B singer Kehlani’s hospitalization following a self-harm attempt, as well as his comments about suicide in general. Though Zendaya never made a public announcement that the video would no longer be coming out, it was made clear that this was the case because the video was on track to be released before this. Also, Zendaya unfollowed Brown on social media, adding fuel to the fire.
Tinashe, who also recently collaborated with Brown, unfollowed him as well. Brown sent out a tweet seemingly shading the singers, stating, “They called and needed my help, not the other way around. I’ve been around for a bit, so these celebrities fade out musically if they aren’t original or let’s face it actually talented.”
Brown wants Zendaya to put the video out
Before Brown’s public plea to Zendaya to release the video, no footage from it was available outside of a 25-second preview that aired during an episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. That clip is now hard to find online. However, the footage that Brown put on his Instagram story is believed to be part of what was featured on Ellen. In the video, Zendaya paid homage to TLC member T-Boz with her hairstyling and clothing. T-Boz also filmed a cameo for the music video herself.
On social media last week, Brown wrote on his Instagram story, “@zendaya I HOPE YOU DROP THIS VIDEO WE DID A LIL WHILE AGO!!!!! ITS TOO FIRE TO BE ON DA SHELF.”
While we can’t predict what will happen, it is hard to believe that Zendaya would want to release the video for the song so many years later, especially considering the reason why it was shelved to begin with. Zendaya hasn’t publicly commented on or responded to Brown’s request, and it is unlikely that she will do so.
How to get help: In the U.S., call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text HOME to 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor at the free Crisis Text Line.
