With the release of his new single and music video, “Rather Be.” which was directed by Loris Russier, multi-platinum seven-time GRAMMY® nominee GIVĒON begins his sophomore chapter.
“Rather Be” embodies GIVĒON’s best qualities: vulnerability, self-assurance, and an unwavering willingness to let his vocal range do the heavy lifting. The song features the bells and whistles that fans have grown to appreciate from the Long Beach native, from the horns strewn throughout its instrumental to the intimate and stylish style of its music video. It was produced by Sevn Thomas, Maneesh, Matthew Burnett, Jeff Gitty, and Jahaan Sweet. With the release of “Twenties,” the cathartic lead single from his new campaign, GIVĒON is gaining tremendous traction and putting his everything into every line.
The Russier-directed cut is an elegant montage of GIVĒON and his sleek troupe adorning airy spaces with a live rendition of the new song, as GIVĒON, the protagonist, tries to get comfortable with his love interest. Russier deftly plays with planes of space and symmetry to create a unique backdrop for the singer and his suit-clad crew.
“This song is a reflection on acceptance. The idea of seeing someone’s flaws and choosing to stay,” GIVĒON said about “Rather Be. “It’s about loving someone not for who they could be, but for who they are, and realizing that real connection isn’t about starting over, it’s about holding on.”
As fans eagerly anticipate his sophomore project, GIVĒON’s 2025 has already been one to remember. He celebrated the five-year anniversary of his breakout project, 2020’s TAKE TIME EP, with an intimate performance earlier this year in Los Angeles, attended by the likes of Epic Chairwoman Sylvia Rhone, Lena Waithe, Amerie and Jimmy Jam.
Shortly afterwards, “Twenties” notched a slot within the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and went on to achieve a Top 20 position on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. The song’s music video has already surpassed 12 million YouTube views and earned GIVĒON the fourth Hot 100 hit of his solo career.
Photocredit: Ben Dorado
Hunter Schafer and Tracee Ellis Ross were among the guests at Prada’s esteemed annual pre-Met Gala event earlier this month, where GIVĒON performed “Twenties” live. For his work with Teddy Swims on “Are You Even Real,” GIVĒON is vying for a 2025 BET Award in the category of “Best Collaboration” this summer.
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