Lawraines Steals the Spotlight in Shallipopi’s ‘Na So’ Visuals

In an ostentatious display of wealth evidently inspired by hip-hop culture and fashion, Shallipopi breathes visual life into the lyrics of his newly released single, following the success of his earlier smash hit ‘Laho’. On Na So which spans a single verse but runs over three minutes, Shallipopi rap-sings and chronicles a self-indulgent, hedonistic lifestyle. He channels his knack for crafting catchy lyrics into a lengthy chorus split into a pre-chorus, collapsing his flamboyant taste into one verse. Over an upbeat, log-drum-heavy production typical of his hit songs, he glides effortlessly on the rhythm crafted by Producer X, with his now-familiar Benin-accented delivery.

However, the official music video for ‘Na So’ does more than serve as a visual aid for Shallipopi’s message, craft, and brand. It also shines a spotlight on the talents of UK-born Canadian video director Lawraines and his sharp editing skills. In the video, Lawraines stays in sync with the production beyond the song’s message or theme. Its bass, reverb, and every high point in the production are conveyed with entertaining, creative effects.

Cannabis, whips, chains, and a gang of friends; Shallipopi leans into the hip-hop stereotype, captured across multiple locations, from a gas station to his silhouette masterfully placed in a mansion. Lawraines doesn’t just direct the narrative of ‘Na So’, he beautifies it into a near-perfect, ideal world. And e hether the message passed on in the song and its music video is morally right or wrong becomes secondary to the unintentional creative agreement in delivery between Shallipopi, Producer X, and Director Lawraines.