Jesy Nelson has released her debut solo single, the former Little Mix member’s single “Boyz” dropped today. The singer’s new track is her first solo release since leaving her former group. The song utilises heavy sampling from one of P.Diddy’s most popular tracks, “Bad Boys For Life”. The legendary artist is also featured within the music video, the track’s release was reportedly postponed ensuring his appearance.
The new track’s music video also pays homage to P.Diddy’s 2001 hit and appears to be a reimagined version of the original video. P.Diddy is cast as Nelson’s disgruntled neighbour who proceeds to scold the 30-year-old singer. Nelson is depicted within the video as causing chaos within a traditional fictional suburban neighbourhood. The singer co-directed the video with Harry James and is shot much like a feature film ending with credits and bloopers.
Along with the backing of musical heavyweight P.Diddy, the track also sees Nelson collaborate with Nicki Minaj. The American rapper is also featured in the new music video, Minaj can be seen performing within a glamorous looking garage. Nelson has also worked with production artists Loose Change on her new track. The singer has worked with the duo before on the Little Mix 2018 track “Touch”.
Leading up to the track’s release the singer promoted the single and teased information via social media. During the run up, Nelson stated how her new material may divide her fans. The singer took to her Instagram to announce the single’s release.
Speaking within a press release, Nelson stated that the lyrical themes were inspired by a bad break up which forced the singer to self-reflect. The singer began to ponder on her dating life, “‘Why do I like bad boys, what is wrong with me? Why am I attracted to anyone that looks naughty?‘” The singer proceeds to recount her conversation with Loose Change concerning her musical process and inspiration, “You’ll think I’m a nutter but I really want to write a song about why most women like bad boys and I want to use the Diddy song, And they were like, ‘Let’s do it’.”
Nelson announced her departure from her former group last year and cited her reasons due to mental health issues. However, the hit-making girl group are still evident within Nelson’s solo release. The “Shout Out To My Ex” singers are name-dropped by P.Diddy’s within the artist’s dialogue.
The singer has recently spoken to Glamour within their October digital issue concerning her ex-bandmates. Nelson admitted that their relationship has changed but remains optimistic. “I haven’t spoken to the girls. It is weird because for so many years we were as close as sisters, together every hour of the day for weeks, sharing beds, laughing, crying just 24/7 the four of us together and then… Nothing.”
Within the interview, Nelson remained hopeful that they would rekindle their relationship and continued to discuss their bond and confirms hopes for their friendship, “Hopefully at some point in the future we can all come back together. I love them. They are my sisters in so many ways, but for the time being we just don’t talk.”
Click here to download/stream “Boyz“.
