Vibe recently interviewed video director Taj Stansberry, speaking on the video for Usher’s new single, “Lil’ Freak,” featuring Nicki Minaj. The video which was recently shot and will premiere this month is going to feature cameos from Ciara, Jamie Foxx and more. In regards to Usher’s sex appeal Stansberry said, “This probably has the potential to be his sexiest video ever.” “As far as people talking about his sex appeal… there was a crowd on set of mostly women and when I looked at their eyes… let’s just say I think he’s going to be okay.”
The 29-year-old director—also responsible for Usher’s Raymond vs. Raymond promo video in December—revealed to VIBE how the music video’s concept will redefine the meaning of the song’s keyword: Freak. “My general idea was to take the word and show it’s many faceted sides, twisting and turning it to where there’s really no distinguishing between one freak and another. Usher went there,” he says. “When you’re engaging in sexual activity, there are many transitions and this is not about what they look like literally, but what they look like metaphorically. It’s about luring people into a situation. Because you have your thoughts on a ménage à trois, but then we’re doing it in a non-obvious way.”
