Image: SHAVONE
California native SHAVONE is a bold MC with a sound that, according to her, is “rooted in musicianship and raw, intricate lyricism.” She not only raps, but plays the flute, too! And her most recent hit, “4C,” which has generated buzz from the online black and natural hair communities alike, showcase her random but impeccable skill set in a flowy manner that has us bedazzled with encouragement about embracing our coily hair texture.
With punchlines like, “They tried to bury us but didn’t know we were seeds,” and “Only we can save us,” the song proves itself as an ode to women with coarse, curly, coily, kinky, voluminous, afro-textured and god-given hair. The music video has an overflow of inspiration, too, even featuring a few of our online favorites like 4C vlogger Avielle Amor (@avielleamor“>, Muslim Activist Blair Imani (@blairimani“>, and Nigerian dancer, Nestraya (@nestreya“>. The video, which takes place in Brooklyn, New York, considers the city’s heavy and rich residue of generations of magical black women sprinkled throughout. In addition to SHAVONE, its creative team — Director Curtis Taylor, Jr. (mr.badbeard“>, Editor Xander Opiyo (@xanderopiyo“>, and Fashion Designer Shanel Campbell (@shanel“>
As we approach spring, “4C” is the anthem we need to walk into with dignity. Like our natural curls and coils, it is fun, effortless, and unapologetic. It requires little assistance and stands on its own as a representation of power, strength, and truly dignified beauty.
“Directing ‘4C’ was definitely a career highlight,” says Director Curtis Taylor, Jr. of his involvement. “Aside from being able to direct, it allowed me to listen and learn more then I spoke. It allowed me to learn and grow from incredible women who helped me navigate how to tell their story their way. As a team, we really wanted to pay homage to black beauty ritual and create a work that felt authentic. Of course I had to make a few nods visually to a classic like Crookyln. It was only right film it in Brooklyn…”
Shot at the salon of our beloved Hair by Susy (@hairbysusy“>, “4C” is a must-see video. “Words can’t really express the gratitude I have for the amount of work and divine spirit so many put into making ‘4C’ happen,” says SHAVONE of the success of her latest project. Get into it, share it, and let this be your new springtime anthem for the ages.
