Cofounder of The Underdogs, singer and multi-platinum songwriter J. Valentine is reclaiming his time. After crafting hits for everyone from Tyrese to N’Sync, he’s gearing up to remind everyone that he is much more than the man behind all the music. On his new single “Thank Me For That,” he shows that he too can deliver and does so with a swag all his own. Known for his ability to paint vivid pictures with his pen, he tells a tale of watching his ex-lover’s new mate benefit from all the work he’d put in during their relationship.
Produced by Shawn Holmes, the largely acoustic track delivers a melody so delicate one could almost ignore the fact that he is indeed dirty mackin’. Though the lyrics seem a bit egocentric, his tone suggests regret and maybe even a touch of envy as he sings, “But I realize I built you up for somebody else / And I’m the one who had it last / I know I had a big impact / Now she know how to throw that a** back / By the way, you should thank me for that.”
For the accompanying visual, he taps director TAJ for the cinematic feature captured in black and white. Viewers are treated to a bird’s-eye view of an intimate poolside wedding, as J. is clearly all in his feelings. His R&B Money Podcast co-host Tank makes a cameo, and Shalise Fernander portrays the (not so) blushing bride. It seems there is some yet unfinished business, and by the end of the video, it appears they both have gotten their way…or have they?
J. Valentine’s latest release serves as the first single from his forthcoming official debut album Conversations With Women and follows last year’s scintillating duet “Slow” with Tank. Give “Thank Me For That” a spin and watch its visual below. Be sure to run up the track on your preferred digital music platform, and keep an eye out for the LP in 2024.
