This week's episode of Empire had plenty of juicy, scandalous moments (for more on those, see our recap), but it also had its share of big musical numbers as well. While many were talking about Jamal and Delphine's "Conqueror" duet, what really took our breath away was the brief a cappella performance that V. Bozeman (in character as Veronika) did of her new Jim Beanz-penned single "Black and Blue."
Though we only got a few short seconds of it on the show, the full version (which is available on iTunes now) is just as amazing. Signature Timbaland production backs V.'s flawless vocal as she tackles the very serious subject of domestic violence. While it's a topic that's been approached in song before, V. gives it a renewed sense of urgency. "I never thought our love would turn domestic," she sings during a verse. "I've finally had enough, I won't accept it / I can't let you put your hands on me / Be damned if I turn the other cheek."
Instead of ramping up the drama for the song's video, she instead keeps things simple, walking through MacArthur Park in Los Angeles in a fabulous hooded coat as she emotes in the seemingly one-take shoot. While the concept might be straightforward, her performance is anything but. She wrings every emotion out of the song and gives it to the camera before she stands atop a sculpture like a triumphant statue at the clip's end. It's a powerful statement from an artist who is most definitely on the rise.
