Coming off the success of N.R.I. which garnered 2.5+ million views on YouTube and ranked #1 on Spotify India's New Music Friday, the trailblazing rapper, singer, songwriter, and dancer Raja Kumari unveils `PEACE,` the brand new single from her forthcoming album debut on Nas' Mass Appeal India label, today.
An unexpectedly chill-tempo jam coupled with dreamy immersive beats; 'I got peace all around me, ain't no drama these days' a reflective Kumari affirms in the single that marries Khari Brown's layered production with Elvis Brown's distinctive lyrics.
The Indian-American music trailblazer takes the listener on a euphoric journey through her tranquil headspace, processing reality through her songwriting, accompanied by a cinematic video depiction featuring her revelling in nature as a visual reflection of her enlightenment. Delving into the themes of manifestation, optimism and spirituality, the R&B single is ultimately hopeful, empathetic, and supremely welcome at a moment when it's easy to start feeling like everything looks pretty uncertain and unsettling.
Leading up to today's release, the Grammy nominated artist was seen spending her time on social media sharing wellness practices with her half a million fans - with tips on meditation, holistic lifestyle, affirmations and mindfulness.
Tough topics to wrap one's head around, for sure, but Raja Kumari seems undaunted by the prospect, she elaborates, `Mentally, I knew I had to reset in order to focus on myself and my family, and this song was written as a mantra of positive affirmations for peace in my life. We shot this video in the middle of quarantine. Although I'm used to having a big crew on set to handle everything from location scouting to glam and makeup, all I had in LA was me and Shawn Thomas (long-time director and collaborator) and the help of my manager and assistant (all socially distanced with masks!). It definitely was a challenge to start from the beginning again, doing all the styling and hair and makeup myself. The video was shot between Antelope Valley and Mt Baldy, the beautiful scenic area behind my parent's home. Solitude had been a huge theme in the beginning of quarantine and as the world opens up, I wanted to encourage people to look within themselves to find true inner peace.`
Devraj Sanyal, MD & CEO of UMG, India & South Asia states, `These last three and some months have been the worst phase in the world with uncertainty and negativity like we've never experienced before. So for us to have a song of positive manifestations by Raja Kumari is a welcome one not just from our roster, but for the world at large. Every time I hear 'PEACE' I feel an incredible sense of calm and I'm sure you will too. It's classic Raja and it's a fun one too, with the usual trappings of her inimitable style and song. Go listen to 'PEACE' now.`