Real M.E.N.

Before you read ahead, please take time to watch the music videos above by Keri Hilson and Raheem DeVaughn.

“Wow”. That was the only word that I could muster to say after watching both videos by each artist. Both are sexual, straight-forward, and creative in their own right. However, each was received differently by the public. Keri Hilson’s “The Way You Love Me” was immediately dubbed aunchy, classless, degrading, and a tasteless effort to create buzz for her sophomore album ‘No Boys Allowed’. On the other hand, Raheem DeVaughn’s “She’s Single” video was applauded for it’s sexiness and sensual visuals. Both sending the same message: “Don’t forget to spank my ass and pull my hair.”

But listening and reading women’s responses made me touch on the fabric of an old saying: “It’s not what you say, but how you say it”. By choosing Raheem DeVaughn’s video on Keri Hilson’s women are subconsciously admitting that they like being sneaky vulgarly seduced as long the “invitation” is presented well. Women don’t like to be viewed a treated as a piece of meat; seasoned, devoured, and forgotten. But occasionally she likes the allure and feeling of being tenderized and beat, just as long as the chef’s “presentation” is on point and his kitchen’s clean.

No? Take a look at the setting of both videos. Keri’s was a stakeout, a club with guns and crowded rooms. Crowds of people for a woman means there’s a possibility that she could be seen and judged, no room for  her to let those nasty inner inhibitions run free. Mr. Raheem’s choice of location was different, an elegant five star hotel. A hotel room decorated with candles and champagne chilled in ice. Secluded. No witnesses. She can be free and wild.

Could I be reading too much into it? Maybe. Women are complex creatures. But I have another saying that I live by too: “When I’m right I’m right. And even when I’m wrong I’m still right because I could’ve been wrong.”… Peace.

- Adjasont Thoughts