Lila Ikè, Skillibeng Confront Social Chaos In Thy Will (Remix) Visuals: Watch
Two of Jamaica’s most capable talents, Lila Ikè and Skillibeng, confront social chaos in the new visuals for Thy Will (Remix).
The three and a half minute track is a hard-hitting testament to crushing social ills, a “very crucial song in these times”, according to Ikè. The pair’s passionate words are brought to life through the storyline of a set up, as well as protest-inspired scenes directed by creative mastermind Nickii Kane and shot in Kingston, Jamaica.
Produced by Protoje, Iotosh and J.L.L, the original song which samples Sly & Robbie’s iconic Baltimore Riddim is loaded with strong messages and social commentary. It appeared on Lila’s debut 7-track The ExPerience EP.
“Negative thoughts and impure heart a plague wi like a sickness/ Now di youth dem have a hit list pon every stall and most business/ Helicopters a circle ‘round di area like a frisbee/ Unsolved mystery, Mada cyaah find pickney,” Ikè sings in her haunting tone.
Mr. Universe put away his gunplay for subversive bars tackling corruption, crime and tribalism alongside Ikè. “Di system is fi business/ Trick wi, kill wi, diss wi/ Build wi wen dem wan’ wi vote fi winnings/ Den dem end up missing/ Si how people slipping?/ Yuh nuh si wi need a fixing, tell mi are you even listening?/ Di truth is hidden/ Di truth is how yuh wash wi brain and turn wi inna victim,” they spit on the remix’s shared verse.
The intense visuals highlight the chilling headlines that have rocked the nation in recent months, including a woman gunned down in church while worshipping weeks ago. Ikè and Skillibeng also take to the streets to voice their frustrations in a vivid black and white protest sequence.
Complete with riled-up demonstrators, placards bearing ‘Freedom’ and ‘Break The System’, and Ikè spreading the word on a megaphone, the jarring images reinforce the song’s unmistakable concept, “when we are one, this is when we’ll overcome.”
The collab is yet another of Ikès lamentations on the current state of affairs, following the 2019 hit Not Another Word with labelmate Protoje and Agent Sasco. The I Spy crooner channels immense star power on this affecting remix, as Skilli continues to prove the weight of his Mr. Universe moniker with each new venture.
2020 may have been filled with postponed realities, but both Lila Ikè and Skillibeng celebrated their most successful years on the scene, each being signed to international publishing deals and receiving industry-wide nods from the likes of BBC 1Xtra. Their fans have responded favorably to the Thy Will Remix, sending the just-released clip to Top 10 on Youtube Trending in Jamaica.
Many were impressed with the artists’ use of their platform to highlight social plights while others were impressed by Skillibeng’s versatility. “Billboard settings Skillibeng and Lila this one is a hit! Baltimore Rhythm still sound good🇯🇲🔥🇯🇲” one user quipped while another said, “Loving the vibes in this and really want to see more like this from Skillibeng. Lila outdoing herself as usual; big chune!🔥”
Check out the new visuals above.