Alt-R&B duo Lion Babe dropped their latest song and visual (April 23).
“Frida Kahlo” pays homage to the equal-parts eccentric and iconic Mexican visual artist. The track, inspired by vocalist Jillian Hervey’s love and admiration for Kahlo, speaks to the act of drawing on one’s own life and experiences for inspiration.
“Her art and creativity helped to nurture her pain,” Hervey says. “It is a celebration of her fearless authenticity.”
Producer Lucas Goodman effortlessly weaves together soft flutes, dancing percussion and sharp guitar hits, creating an instrumental bed of sunshine and flowers to underlie Hervey’s rappy cadence and uplifting lyrics. “If you’re tryna be someone, go look where you came from,” she sings, “It’s all there for you.”
The accompanying music video shows Hervey in a number of vibrant Kahlo-inspired looks, with a rainbow gem unibrow sitting atop her natural arches. Her hair, which resembles art itself, is braided with colorful flowers, palm leaves and ribbons.
The single comes ahead of Lion Babe’s third studio album, Rainbow Child. The album was written in 2020 and heavily inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement. The duo has been busy this year, releasing four singles, one of which served as the soundtrack to Michael Kors’ latest perfume launch.
Watch the “Frida Kahlo” video below.
