Trinidadian/ Brooklyn-based artiste Lee G has been spreading his message musically for many years blending various musical influences into his culture reggae sound. As lee G says, whats makes the difference is “the soul in the music”.
The video for “Standing” was directed by Simba and was shot on various locations in Sweden, Trinidad, Jamaica and Brooklyn N.Y. The concept of the video plays on the true story behind the song and album “Standing“….
The incident that resulted in his album “Standing” slated to be released in 2011 had its beginning in 2008 when Mr. Lee G went to Trinidad to promote his music. Since he did not grow up in his birth country the artiste wanted to let “his people” know about his music and introduced a CD dedicated to his mother, entitled “Mama”. Two weeks later he was invited to perform at a stage show in Trinidad. When the after party was over Mr. Lee G left the venue alone and was approached by a vehicle and 6 shots were fired at him. 3 bullets hit him in his arm, back and leg. To this date Mr. Lee G says he does not know any reason behind the shooting or who was the shooter. “Standing” is the outcome of the first year of recovery dealing with the feelings of being a victim. Mr. Lee G recorded 24 songs with various producers from Sweden to Brooklyn, making reggae songs to heal others.
… In the video Lee G, who used to play football in high school and college since he is a huge fan of the sport, still plays football now, still standing after being shot. As he explains, “We wanted to show that the perpetrator who shot me 3 time cannot keep a good man down. Since we don’t know who
they are; there is no way for justice. We figured that success is the best justice, and the fact that I’m
still standing, and can still play a physically demanding sport like football, the fact that I am traveling and performing around the world, doing what I love to do is best way to deal with the haters.”
The story behind the song also makes the video special. It all came from a real life experience. The video shows shots of Lee g’s family, his support system, his love for sports and an overall positive example for the youths. Lee G says that “These days the murder rate in the Caribbean has escalated tremendously. We have a serious problem, and we need to address it with music.” The video for “Standing” is fun to watch, shows another side to the artist, amd sends a message of perseverance and positivity . It is all about “standing” – regardless of trials and tribulation.
To summarize it all Lee G states: “The greatest thing is the celebration of life, the joy of life. It is important to value and enjoy everything around you. Life and others. Jah love more life!”
Watch “Standing” Music Video