Less than a month since his Black Lives Matter inspired single “Riots 2020: How Many Times,” Trey Songz is back with another record!
“Circles” is about working through the ups and downs of a worthwhile relationship, rather than quickly giving up on your loved one at the sight of a hardship.
“If you’re lookin’ for closure, don’t take it closer/No matter how hard we try, we can’t say it’s over,” the singer croons. “We goin’ in circles, Keep goin’ in circles/You know we’re just gon’ do this over and over, over and over.”
The video, directed by Maheenla, is a celebration of Black relationships. “We centered it around black love and some of the circles we go through in relationships,” Songz explained ahead of the video’s release.
In the visual, three couples of varying ages are captured smiling in their happy moments and arguing in their lows. In perhaps the most moving part, the couples are stopped and reminded of their love when they’re pulled over by a police officer, a fearful life or death moment for many people of color who have found themselves in a similar situation. Fortunately, they are let go and able to enjoy each others’ company again.
Upon the release of the video, an Instagram user questioned the singer, who has been an active advocate for black lives, about his focus on Black love.
“[With Black love] families were torn apart purposely,” Songz responded. “Mother’s raped, men taken from homes. America has always wanted the Black family separated because of the strength we have when we are one. They go so far as to say Black fathers don’t exist and Black love doesn’t exist. So pardon me while I show Black love and not all love.”
Songz continued, “The stereotypes, the hardships, the black and women get the bottom of the barrel in America. So when you’re fighting for love and fighting against the worlds obsession with the oppression of your people, there are underlying pains in your relationship that are not in others.”
Songz is allegedly gearing up for his eighth album, Back Home. Until then, check out the video to “Circles” below.