Beneath all the sexual bluster of Childish Gambino's 2011 single "Heartbeat" is a thick fog of yearning and longing. And a singer/songwriter like Olen is perfect to tease out its emotional essence — and imbue Donald Glover's razor-sharp raps with infectious melody.
Backed by guitar, bass, drums, and keys, the Orange County-based artist conjures the fractured emotions of "Heartbeat" with ease. "I wanted you to know/ That I am ready to go, heartbeat/ My heartbeat," Olen croons over a pillow of synths. "I wanted you to know/ Whenever you are around, can't speak/ I can't speak."
In the inaugural episode of Hip-Hop Re:Defined — a limited series paying tribute to some of hip-hop's greatest hits, for the genre's 50th anniversary — watch this evocative performance from a keen interpreter.
Armani White, Bizzy Banks and Asha Imuno are among the artists included in this 10-episode series. Hip-Hop Re:Defined will be posted weekly for six episodes and then begin posting every other week for the remainder of the series.
Check out this potent performance above, and keep checking GRAMMY.com for new episodes of Hip-Hop Re:Defined!