In a surprise music video release on Friday, GOOD Music’s leading lady Teyana Taylor paid homage to the graduating class of 2020.
Graduates across the nation have seen a long-awaited moment of glory, formal graduation ceremonies, canceled or postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some creative parents have held their own ceremonies — like Torrence Burson who built a stage for his daughter, a new Xavier University graduate. In other instances, principals and school administrators came together to give graduates individual celebrations.
Now, Taylor is throwing her cap (and gown) into the ring to uplift forlorn graduates.
In the video for "Made It," Taylor can be seen in a backyard wearing traditional graduation regalia and speaking to a yard full of empty white chairs. The camera cuts to reveal that the white chairs aren’t actually empty, they’re flanked by tablets that show dozens of graduates sitting in for the ceremony virtually. The K.T.S.E. superstar posted to her Instagram to reveal that the stand-in graduates are real-life members of the class of 2020 and were instrumental to the finished product.
“Unfortunately, this pandemic has stopped us from physically gathering and celebrating all the hard work you’ve put in through the years," the artist wrote on Instagram. "But this pandemic can’t stop your spirit, it can’t dim your light, and it can’t take your degree away from you!! So when you make it out of this dark time, shine bright and light up the world!”
“Congratulations to the class of 2020, YOU MADE IT!! PEACE & LOVE! ❤️,” she continued.
The video then goes on to show a variety of grads, of all ages and academic accomplishments, showing off their graduation stoles and cords.
Taylor’s production company, The Aunties, put out a call for graduate submissions weeks ago, according to Udiscovermusic.
“One, I want to thank you guys for being a part of it. And two, I want to say congratulations. Me being in the business, I didn’t really get to graduate, I graduated in Starbucks,” said Taylor in her cap and gown.
“I never had this opportunity. So I wanted to celebrate with you guys and just say congratulations.”
The “Gonna Love Me” singer and choreographer signed her first record deal when she was only 16 years old. Simultaneously, she burst into the pop culture sphere with appearances on My Super Sweet 16 and after dropping her debut single “Google Me.” Because of her early introduction to the entertainment world, Taylor wasn’t able to have a traditional graduation ceremony. In the final moments of the video, Taylor is shown in a virtual group chat with the participants and told her story while expressing her gratitude.
In May, Taylor took to social media to announce that her highly anticipated third studio album will be dropping in June. The album will be simply titled The Album.
Check out the "Made It" video below:
