Months after dropping the single “Serious,” Omarion returns with the official music video. Co-directed by the singer and Deji LaRay, the video showcases the fancy footwork and silky vocals that have kept him in the game for over 20 years while also taking time to make a larger statement about an issue that is permeating the black community: mass incarceration.
The video kicks off with an incarcerated Omarion behind bars. We see scenes of him going through the motions in black and white before the video switches to full color just as the beat kicks in. Before long, viewers observe the crooner placing his call to his lady back home.
After being selected for trash duty, he makes his escape by disarming the beautiful guard and making a run for it. Though at first glance it looks like fear crosses her face as he holds everyone at gunpoint, it quickly becomes clear that she was in on it as the scene switches to Mexico, where Omarion is joined by the female guard and his lady for a late-night dip as they celebrate his escape.
And what’s an Omarion video without slick dance moves? A lively argument amongst the inmates in the dining hall soon turns into a dance-off between the men. Later, a perp lineup also gives way to another dance scene as the dreadlocked singer displays the smooth moves that we’ve all come to expect from him.
In today’s social media climate where a catchy dance can make or break a single, it’s no surprise that Omarion is taking the lead by promoting the Serious Dance Challenge via TikTok and Instagram, where it is quickly picking up steam as fans upload videos of themselves trying their hand at the challenge.
While the clip could have easily only served as a vehicle to showcase Omarion’s dance moves and tender vocals, he also uses the video to make a statement about mass incarceration, highlighting the negative effects it has on communities of color. The video concludes with actual footage of Omarion’s real-life best friend Anthony “Boaner” Martinez getting released from prison where he is greeted by the singer and his family.
“Serious” is taken from O’s album Full Circle: Sonic Book One, which was released in May and features appearances from Sevyn Streeter, RILEY (aka Amber Riley) and newcomer Rileyy Lanez. Check out this ode to love and loyalty below, and let us know what you think of Omarion’s latest turn.
