A_nobody
patreon
Chapter 37: The Song Becomes a Hit
🕑 Added 2024-09-14 16:46:42 +0000 UTCKelly Rowland and Nelly's new collaboration, "Dilemma," was officially released. Compared to the extensive promotion Republic Records did for Raymond's songs, this new release surpassed it by several times in terms of radio play and advertisements.
Given Kelly's prominence and Nelly's fame, major radio stations willingly played the song without additional costs.
Once aired, the song's melodious and catchy tune quickly became a sensation across America!
"Powerful collaboration! Kelly's and Nelly's voices blend perfectly! The MV is also very high-quality. When I played the disc, I thought I was watching a music movie!"
This was Nylon Music Magazine's brief review. Many professional critics provided detailed critiques on the song, including its composition, arrangement, and lyrics.
However, a lot of the discussion centered on the MV.
Blackjack commented, "Honestly, I love movies and am quite familiar with various cinematic techniques. I didn't expect a music MV to use such methods. The MV includes reverse shots, flashbacks, and long takes without feeling abrupt at all.
"Furthermore, many props in the MV aren't just for show. The burning vehicle, the hotel lighting, and the final scene where they tear their clothes—all reflect the intense emotions inside them. The director skillfully used real-life settings, adding deeper meaning to the song. If I could rate the song itself 85 points, the MV deserves 95 points.
"Why the 5-point difference? Because I hope to see even better MVs from this director. If you haven't heard the song yet, I'd suggest you listen to it. But if you haven't seen the MV, drop everything and watch it now!"
Compared to Blackjack's recommendation, critic Tony was more direct.
"Watch it! This MV deserves to win the Best MTV award at this year's Grammys. Whether it's having the two stand in front of a burning vehicle or the long take pulling away from Nelly's face, it's all stunning and feels like a movie!
"I heard this MV cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, which explains its film-level quality. Nelly clearly isn't shy about spending money. Though, if he could replace the cheap synth effects in the song with live recordings, it'd be even better.
"As for the rating? 10 out of 10! Both the color grading and the camera work are very pleasing to the eyes. I love it. Folks, if you're releasing new songs, you should study this MV. Otherwise, other MVs might not get played in stores."
Since the magazine's reviews came out first, fans saw the critics' comments before buying the disc, heightening their curiosity.
What kind of MV could garner such high praise?
What is a film-level MV?
The next morning, at Dival's record store, a few fans gathered early to see the MV.
"Dival, hurry up!" urged Millen, a regular customer.
"Hey, take it easy!" Dival had a good supply this time. With Nelly's fame, he wasn't worried about losses.
He had also seen the MV before, so after inserting the new disc, he stood behind the crowd with anticipation, ready to enjoy their amazed reactions.
As the music began, the MV started.
The black screen split open from the center, revealing Nelly in a black vest and shirt, looking gentlemanly as he rapped while gesturing in a hotel corridor.
In the female vocal section, Kelly was shown walking in the same corridor.
With just two shots, the audience's anticipation had already risen.
As the song continued, the MV moved into a flashback, showing Kelly and Nelly meeting for the first time in a community, falling for each other at night, and Nelly singing to Kelly's window.
Each shot was beautifully done. Kelly's every move was captivating. Although the lyrics suggested neither was single, viewers felt it wasn't surprising to be moved by such a beautiful woman.
Some even reminisced about their own past encounters with attractive women in the neighborhood.
By halfway through the MV, many in the audience were tapping their feet in rhythm, and some were already singing along.
The MV reached a crucial moment. As the song entered the chorus, a car in the scene suddenly caught fire, and Kelly and Nelly danced in front of the vehicle. The suggestive poses and the warm yellow-pink lighting immediately made everyone in the store exclaim in awe.
"This is amazing!"
"The burning car fits perfectly!"
"Exactly, so exciting!"
They eagerly anticipated the final meeting between the two in the hotel.
When the scene returned to the hotel, everyone was surprised to see the two on split screens, each starting to undress while walking!
Watching Kelly tear off her dress to reveal sexy lingerie and Nelly remove his shirt to show his chest muscles, combined with their eager expressions, made the hormonal tension almost burst from the screen, pushing everyone to the edge of excitement.
"Hurry up!" some urged, and others danced on the spot, raising their hands and swaying their hips.
Dival wasn't surprised by this reaction; instead, he had a smile on his face because he had seen the same reaction yesterday. Despite the song's theme about emotional infidelity, both the song and the MV conveyed a sense of romance.
The danceable rhythm made it irresistible, leaving viewers wanting to experience a passionate emotional affair like Nelly and Kelly's.
As everyone had similar thoughts, the song gradually neared its end. The two, who had been walking down the hotel corridor, finally reached the end.
But the next scene didn't lead them into a room as expected. Instead, it returned to the bright street, where the two awoke in their separate beds, as if everything had been a dream, or as if nothing had happened.
"What!"
"Why!"
"Did they not do it?"
Several people exclaimed, but Dival didn't respond, only watching the screen.
The two emerged from their rooms, exchanged smiles, and slowly approached each other.
The final image froze on the tips of their touching fingers.
"Wow!"
"Fantastic!"
"That's how it should be!"
The audience, fully immersed in the story, cheered for Kelly and Nelly, feeling as though they had experienced an emotional affair themselves.
"Filming was excellent!"
"Absolutely! It's so cool. Are you sure this isn't a movie clip?"
"I need to buy two more copies! For friends!"
"Me too!"
"Hurry, Dival! Take my money!"
Dival, behind the counter, couldn't stop smiling as he counted the money.
Amid this heated atmosphere, Millen, the first to get the album, looked at the staff list on the back.
He noticed the director's name was unfamiliar.
"Jose Dodd? Who is that?"
