NORMANI AND CARDI B SHOW THEIR ‘WILD SIDE’ IN A NEW MUSIC VIDEO
Normani’s new single ‘Wild Side’ featuring Cardi B halfway through the video was released last Thursday night. The music video features Normani posing seductively and giving sultry looks combined with captivating vocals. The Fifth Harmony alum and Cardi B come together for a rap interlude naked on a round platform, holding each other while being drenched by the water from the ceiling. The visuals were directed by Tanu Muino (who recently helmed Cardi B’s “Up” visual). Credits go to Normani’s frequent collaborator, Sean Bankhead for the complex choreography who also helped choreograph ‘Motivation’.
While ‘Motivation’ held the vibe of ‘90s era R&B, ‘Wild Side’ brings back memories of 2000s music videos, paying homage to the late Aaliyah. Some of her moves are reminiscent of her choreographed segment at Rihanna’s 2019 Savage X Fenty fashion show. Along with ‘Rhythm Nation’ style choreography and TLC-inspired visuals, Normani even pays tribute to Old Hollywood icon, Debra Paget with one of her looks.
Normani and Cardi B collaborated musically for the first time in ‘Wild Side’ but it’s not their first time working together. In WAP’s music video last year, which is an amazing single by Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion, Normani made a surprise guest appearance.
Normani went live on Instagram with Cardi B, minutes before the release of ‘Wild Side’ to talk about her experience of recording the track and filming the video. She revealed that Cardi was actually a last-minute addition to the song. She had already been rehearsing for the music video on her own for weeks before Cardi hopped on the track.
She later recounted in a statement just how Cardi’s involvement came about. “I had already been in rehearsal for about three weeks preparing for the video when Cardi heard the record for the first time,” the singer said. “She really showed up for me and brought this record to life by simply doing what Cardi does best. I love that woman down and I’m forever grateful.”
Watch Normani’s captivating music video ‘Wild Side’ below.
—Silviya Yohannan
