One of the most successful and versatile R&B songwriters of this young century, Ne-Yo has a prime vehicle to showcase his singing, writing, and acting ability in Lionsgate‘s TV series Step Up: High Water, a YouTube original series. Sharing a revealing and highly danceable new song from the series, Ne-Yo drops “Genesis,” along with a lyric video. A brilliantly executed throwback to the heyday of New Jack Swing, “Genesis” finds Ne-Yo writing and singing in character as Sage Odom, the director of High Water Performing Arts School and a former pop star trying to execute a comeback.
Frequently presented as the series’ antagonist, “Genesis” shines a spotlight on Sage’s perspective, challenging viewers and listeners to see things from his point-of-view: “They don’t know about my life/They don’t know what I’ve been through,” sings Ne-Yo/Sage. The lyric video flashes back to Sage’s early days, depicting B-Boys dancing in abandoned lots, contrasted with cinematic cityscapes and stylish design. Premiered by Billboard, “Genesis” is a retro-futurist delight, demonstrating how Step Up: High Water enhances its story with music more than strong enough to stand on its own.
Based on the successful film franchise from Lionsgate, which has grossed $650 million at the global box office, Step Up: High Water, produced by Lionsgate and airing on YouTube Premium, follows several students at a cutthroat performing arts school in Atlanta. Series regulars Ne-Yo, Naya Rivera, and Faizon Love will be returning for a second season, joining newcomers Ashley Greene, Robin Givens and Jeremy Copeland. In the second season, multi-platinum recording artist and entrepreneur Rick Ross is set to guest star as himself, as is Todrick Hall and choreographer JaQuel Knight. Packed with quality original songs, Step Up: High Water receives musical direction, production, and songwriting from none other than Timbaland. Stay tuned for Season 2, arriving in full on March 20th, only on YouTube Premium, and for the Step Up: High Water Season 2 Official Soundtrack, compiled by EMMY-nominated music supervisor Jen Malone (FX’s Atlanta, MGM’s Creed II), also dropping on March 20th.
Watch the lyric video for “Genesis”: https://youtu.be/BTujPqFwTpk
0
Catrise J is the owner of Vault of 1520 and Content Creator for Dirty Glove Bastard (DGB). Catrise is a self described “free-spirit” and always shares what’s on her mind. She enjoys Hip Hop, nature, reading, 420 and 90’s R&B. Her idols include Angie Martinez, Tupac, Oprah, and Warren Buffet. You can connect with Catrise on social media.
