Today (Aug. 18), Ciara unveiled a new EP titled CiCi, a seven-song offering with assists from Chris Brown, J.R. Rotem, Theron Thomas, Big Freedia, and more. In addition to the release, fans can also check out a video for the Lil Baby-assisted “Forever,” which the veteran songstress produced alongside JAYDOT, Precision Productions, and Thomas. The track, which samples Troop’s “All I Do Is Think Of You,” is an ode to enjoying life with a special someone.
“Everyone’s hatin’, goin’ half on a baby, they think that I’m crazy, ’cause one night only can be enough, some say I’m hatin’ because I be sayin’, ‘Love is amazin’,’ I know I’m not the only one, hold on, I want a real world together, if I’m trippin’, let me know, one plus another is better, babe, you spendin’ all your time alone…”
The accompanying clip for “Forever” comes courtesy of Taj and Dre and sees the ATLiens throwing on their best outfits to celebrate a wedding. Following the ceremony, the party keeps going at the reception, complete with synchronized moves from Ciara and her girls and line dancing from members of Kappa Alpha Psi.
In an interview with Apple Music’s Nadeska Alexis, an expecting Ciara explained the album title and its meaning. “It’s not an alter ego. It’s me, but when I get a little more gritty, and I put that stank in that thang, turn up,” she said. “All my fans over the years, they’d be like, ‘Go CiCi, go CiCi, go.’ And there’s just something about when they start doing that, it’s an attitude and an energy that comes out of me. And it’s me, but it’s like me to the 10th power. But she’s fearless. I always say, Ciara, she’s more unbothered and she keeps it chill. But CiCi, she wants to smoke at times.”
Press play on CiCi and “Forever” below.