See De La Soul, Estelle in Nostalgic ‘Memory Of … (Us)’ Video
A marriage almost gets derailed in the video for De La Soul‘s new song “Memory of … (Us).” In addition to the members of De La Soul, the clip features producer Pete Rock and the English singer Estelle, who provides the song’s wispy, nostalgic hook.
Rock, a New York beat-making legend, is the narrator. Sitting in a comfortable armchair – surrounded by books, a globe and a record player – he sets the scene: “a story that blurs the lines between memory and reality, regret and redemption.” Estelle plays a bride experiencing a moment of doubt before walking down the aisle. But in the end, the marriage goes ahead as planned.
“Memory Of … (Us)” appeared earlier this year on De La Soul’s crowdfunded comeback LP, And the Anonymous Nobody... The track features the trademark elements of Rock’s production: a viscous-yet-nimble bass, sharp drums, tasteful horns and a lovely melody sampled from a Seventies soul cut (Jae Mason’s “Diana.”)
When the Grammy nominations were announced on Tuesday, And the Anonymous Nobody… earned a nomination for Best Rap Album category. “Awards have never defined us,” the group said in a statement, “but it’s always nice to have your work recognized.”