If you don’t know who Image is, it’s time for you to do your homework. R&B artist, Image, is a soft, subtle mix reminiscent of Drake with a sprinkle of Bazzi. He has a real voice floating smooth runs, and honest relatable lyricism. His latest release, “Treat Me,” is no deviation from this recipe. The song paints a picture of relationship fallout through bluesy vocals on a trap beat. Here we look at the song itself and the video, which I was privileged to preview before its release.
About ‘Treat Me’
“Treat me like you would treat me if I had everything right now.” These standout lyrics illustrate a man’s internal struggle with his partner to realize his potential, not just in a relationship but as a human being and artist. We often hear and see a woman’s side of a toxic relationship, of leaving, of feeling unappreciated, but rarely hear from a man about how difficult it can be to be inside of a toxic situation. We don’t often hear about men hit with unrealistic expectations for the now when the future could be so bright if we see each other for who we are. Why should a person be more deserving of love only after they have met an anticipated goal, income, life event, or otherwise? Yes, treat him like the king he is and see the value in a person’s soul right now.
When Image says, “You’re confusing who I am and who I should be” it is a clear and passionate plea. This is who I am. When I heard this line my heart stopped. How often have we felt or thought the same, but were unable to express it? That inability to communicate perception to our romantic partners and the people closest to us is a strong message in the track. Is each of us being seen for who we are meant to be rather than for who we are at this moment?
The Best Parts of ‘Treat Me’
The entire track has a smooth vibe that is easy to listen to on repeat. I know. I have done it…and now it’s stuck in my head. You will be singing it in your car. You will think you are the best R&B singer of all time while belting it in the shower. It is that catchy.
The beat goes toe to toe with commercially popular music you would catch on the radio and would easily slide into rotation on any hip hop/R&B station. While “Treat Me” can mix in with what we hear on far-reaching media, the track is very intricately laid, cleverly blending layers of sound to the melody, keeping us all locked in with an up-tempo drumbeat in the forefront.
Visuals
I was fortunate enough to check out the video for this piece before it was released on November 11 of this year. This visual is a work of art. Image is featured in the theme of a man in a relationship with a woman (model and business owner, Hadeez Weng). The relationship goes from that new love glow to arguments, and a certain sense of ending comes when love turns into something darker.
The most striking visuals in this project are the spliced-in scenes of a wine glass full of water. Periodically, as the on-screen relationship runs its course, drops of black liquid are added to the wine glass. The previously pristine glass fills with swirling toxicity. That image of negativity speaks so clearly about something so serene becoming irrevocably damaged when we poison it with irrational thoughts, words, and actions.
Does ‘Treat Me’ Make the Grade?
“Treat Me” is the honesty we all needed with a past connection, all the things we didn’t say.
Listen now everywhere you get your music and check out the video on Youtube. Links and credits are below.
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Credits
Artist: Image
Producer(s) Primo & Rosh
Recorded &Mix Stewart Tuttle at Altar Studios
- Director: Garren Bercero
- Executive Producer: Image
- Production Company: GB Productions
- Shot by Garren Bercero & Sam Avila
- Editor: Garren Bercero
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