Dahi has unveiled “How to Pray,” his collaboration with Kendrick Lamar and Amber Mark. Released in conjunction with his debut solo album, Black Boy (Alternative), the accompanying video insists on turning a typically solitary viewing experience into a shared one. Watch it below.
Rather than presenting the video as a single frame, the Grammy-winning producer has split it into two vertical halves meant to be played simultaneously on separate phones. Each fragment follows a different perspective, such that placing the devices side-by-side completes the picture and reveals how their stories inform one another.
This format is intended to encourage participation by focusing on human connection, expanding on a concept he employed in his last music video. Also extracted from his new album, “Find Me” featuring Moses Sumney and Mez received the same split-screen video rollout in July. One half originally appeared on Dahi’s Instagram profile and the other on a separate page dedicated to the “missing half.” The combined video is now available to view here.
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“How to Pray” continues Dahi’s longstanding creative relationship with Lamar. The Inglewood producer famously cooked up “Money Trees” for good kid, m.A.A.d city and would go on to work on DAMN. as well as Mr. Morale & the Big Steppers. Over the course of his career, the Southern California beatmaker has also produced hits for Drake, SZA, 21 Savage, Travis Scott, and numerous other A-listers.
After more than a decade of shaping other musicians’ work, Dahi is now moving into the lead role with the release of Black Boy (Alternative). The 11-track record pulls together the hip-hop and R&B of his upbringing with the natural pull he feels toward alternative and rock music, while exploring the freedom to define the Black identity on his own terms. Dahi has described the project in part as a letter to his younger self, drawing from a wide range of influences that include ’90s rock, West African soul, and experimental hip-hop.
Beyond Lamar and Mark, the project brings in Childish Gambino, Vince Staples, Channel Tres, Moses Sumney, Mez, Fousheé, Obongjayar, Baby Rose, Ravyn Lenae, Elmiene, and more.
Get together with a friend or loved one to combine screens and experience the music video of “How to Pray” in its fullness.
Black Boy (Alternative) Artwork:
Black Boy (Alternative) Tracklist:
01. Who Are You (feat. Vince Staples, Channel Tres & French Anthony)
02. Find Me (feat. Moses Sumney & Mez)
03. How to Pray (feat. Kendrick Lamar & Amber Mark)
04. Running (feat. Childish Gambino)
05. Love Me (feat. Obongjayar)
06. They Don’t Know Me (feat. Mez)
07. The Night (feat. Kurtis Wells)
08. Rest of Your Life (feat. Mez)
09. Stand for Something (feat. Jesse Boykins III, Baby Rose & Ant Clemons)
10. Square Up (feat. Fousheé)
11. Drowning (feat. Elmiene & Ravyn Lenae)
