As announced last August, The tribute project to Michael Jackson is now out!
Global Pop Superstars Jason Derulo, Lay Zhang (EXO) and NCT 127 Collaborate to Tell the World ‘Let’s Shut Up & Dance’ With New Single, Video
7SIX9 Entertainment Releases First Single and Music Video Inspired by and Dedicated to the Art and Genius of Michael Jackson.
7SIX9 Entertainment today announced the release date for the single and video “Let’s Shut Up & Dance” by global pop music superstar Jason Derulo, Lay Zhang (EXO) and NCT 127. On February 22, the video will have its broadcast premiere on MTV and will be available on YouTube. Written by Derulo, Ant Clemons, and written and produced by Bongo ByTheWay, Ali Prawl, Ray Key and Robot Scott, this is the first single from a four song EP and box set entitled The Greatest Dancer, inspired by and dedicated to the art and genius of Michael Jackson. The box set is scheduled for June 25, the 10th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s untimely death.
The song and accompanying video may serve as an homage to Jackson, but don’t be mistaken, it does not imitate. “Let’s Shut Up & Dance” acknowledges and draws inspiration from many of the greats, and Derulo and his team morphed it with his own unique sound and style to create something fresh and new.
The video for “Let’s Shut Up And Dance” was produced by FREENJOY, directed by Daniel Russell, choreographed by Danielle Polanco with assistant choreographers Jeremy Strong, Andrew Carter, with featured dancing by Derulo, Lay and NCT 127. It encompasses sweeping locations from dark alleys to lush international locales, evokes the mood of “Black or White,” “BAD” and even “Smooth Criminal” and yet, those that have never seen those iconic Jackson works will still see innovative, infectious choreography to a song that has the same rhythmic sensibility and artistry that Jackson demanded.
Created as a short film, Derulo said, “I want people to get up and dance when they see this video. A lot of the dance and movement is intricate and showcases the talent that was pulled together for this – from Lay and NCT 127 to the amazing dancers.” The intricacies come from the dancers who were choreographed by veteran Danielle Polanco and span across the globe. “They all brought this crazy energy to each shoot – energy that I get inspired by; they’re the most incredible talents on the planet,” Derulo said.
The producers’ goals were to keep everything as authentic as possible: From the award-winning crew, to hiring the best underground street dancers and professionals, shooting in locations from South Korea, Ethiopia, Jamaica, London and Los Angeles, the video is meant to capture the marriage of music and dance on an epic, gritty and authentic cinematic scale.
Together, Derulo, Lay and NCT 127 have collaboratively put their own stamp on pop music and the enormity of visuals to celebrate the mastery of Jackson’s global, musical influence.
More information is available at 7SIX9.com.
