Just weeks after lipsyncing for her legacy on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 4, returning icon Manila Luzon has released a track in collaboration with Latin independent recording artist VELO. Their video She premiered on Billboard just last week. The video is a black and white fantasy that features Manila as a high fashion glamazon boom-boom-katting her way through a surreal world of hot men and the architectural marvel that is the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
As per usual, VELO’s track was tailor made for the dance floor—and the bedroom—and this fierce ass beat will melt the ground. She is part of VELO’s newest album Outcast which features collaborations with others from Pablo Hernandez to Eureka O’Hara, Vanessa Vanjie Mateo, and more.
VELO says this about working with Manila:
I admire Manila. I’ve known him for about 5 years now and I’ve gotten to see her grow as an artist and it’s been super inspiring. Manila Luzon is a professional 100%, she’s prepared, knows exactly what she likes and doesn’t like. This made working with her on this album so effortless. I learned a lot about attention to detail thanks to Manila but more importantly how to be resourceful and yet still make an impact with your art.
Manila has been very supportive of my musical career, she has inspired and encouraged me to keep going, and think outside the box. We’ve worked on several projects together and I’ve learned so much about music and the entertainment industry from her.
When writing my track, I thought about who Manila was and what she represented. To me, Manila embodies what the song resembles, a fearlessness that’s innate, confidence that’s addictive, and a fine line between camp and commercial.I think Latin music with the recent years has taken a front runner position in entertainment and I think this should bleed into the gay/queer Latin artist pool as well. Just recently the death of Gay Latin rapper Kevin Fret made me realize that just by being a gay Latino Rapper or Singer, it poses a threat so high for some, that it’s necessary to share the Gay Latino experience. It’s important that gay/queer Latin artists have not only a voice but also a place within the music industry.
She feat. Manila Luzon has over 20K views and it inspired VELO to create a remix of the video that is completely new and gives a different look and a beat that will give you the CeCe Peniston ‘Finally’ feels!
Check out the Dads Mayo remix of She feat. Manila Luzon and keep it on repeat as you hit the town this weekend.
Buy She and the album OUTCAST now on iTunes and everywhere music is sold.
I have said it before; drag
I have said it before; drag is the exaltation of heterosexuality by gay men who want to experience the female role. I won't prevent people from doing drag, but it is puzzling drag is seen as an icon of gayness yet it is all about reinforcing heterosexuality.