Neo-soul man Cody Chesnutt invokes the African diaspora all up and through the new visuals for his single "I've Been Life" off his 2012 album Landing on a Hundred. Drafting the Brooklyn Jumbies to reflect some Afro-Caribbean traditions in the streets of Bed-Stuy, Chesnutt shouts out several countries of the mother-continent at the beginning of the video and creates a celebratory feel as he vocalizes over the vintage soul track. The footage premiered today on Rolling Stone —here's a bit Chesnutt shared about the song, video, and what he sets out to do as an artist:
There's a fresh, creative energy and rising consciousness on the African continent and throughout the diaspora. "I've Been Life" is one of the many ways in which I hope to make a healthy contribution to this promising movement.
To catch Chesnutt in living color, check out his upcoming US tour dates below and until then, let the video hold you over:
Sept. 5 Neptune Theatre — Seattle, WA
Sept. 6 Music Fest NW — Portland, OR
Sept. 7 The Independent — San Francisco, CA
Sept. 10 The State Room — Salt Lake City, UT
Sept. 11 Belly Up — Aspen, CO
Sept. 12 Hi-Dive — Denver, CO
Sept. 14 Sister The Bar — Albuquerque, NM
Sept. 26 Midpoint Music Festival — Cincinnati, OH
Sept. 27 Blueberry Hall — St. Louis, MO
Sept. 29 Lincoln Hall — Chicago, IL
Oct. 3 Grey Eagle — Asheville, NC
Oct. 4 The Loft — Atlanta, GA
Oct. 5 Mercy — Nashville, TN
Oct. 11 WorkPlay Theatre — Birmingham, AL
Oct. 12 Vinyl Music Hall — Pensacola, FL
