Singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Thundercat has released a hot and steamy new video for his latest single, “Dragonball Durag”, off his fourth studio album It is What It Is, out April 3rd 2020. The new track is a perfect combination of Thundercat’s musicianship and personality, but this video is all personality, putting his sense of humour up front and centre. 

The track itself highlights many of Thundercat’s strengths, while also introducing some new elements to his sound. As a bassist, Thundercat’s music has always been grounded in the rhythm and bass section. This is heard immediately on “Dragonball Durag” as the wobbly, funk influenced bassline creates a dynamic and smooth groove. With a simple and solid drum beat layered over the top, there is a thick, sensual funk energy in this rhythm and bass section. The melodic elements include his falsetto singing, some electronic keys and jazz inspired saxophone layers, which give the track a soulful tone when combined with the sensual bass guitar. 

However, the true star of the track is the lyrics, which highlight Thundercat’s comical personality. Singing about seducing people with a literal Dragonball Z designed durag, the mood goes from sexual lines like “stay with me and love me through the night endlessly” and “I just want to get intimate” to facetious jokes likes “I might be covered in cat hair but I still smell good” and “baby girl imma smash in my durag”. Dragonball fans will even notice the familiar flight sound effect in the mix as Thundercat talks about his new whip, “zoom zoom”.

On the song, Thundercat said “there are two types of people in the world: the guy with the durag and the guy who doesn’t know what a durag is. The durag is a superpower, to turn your swag on, it does something, it changes you. The durag is a life-changing thing. If you have one in the wardrobe, think about wearing that tonight, that may pop off because you never know what’s going to happen.”

This hilarious juxtaposition of Dragonball and a funky love song is turned up over 9000% for the new music video, directed by comedian and friend Zac Fox. The video has an amateur quality to it that suits the facetious nature of the lyrics, with Thundercat patrolling the streets with a newfound confidence on account of the titular Dragonball Durag. In his line of sight is some special guests including HAIM, Kali Uchis and comedian Quinta Brunson. Check it out below. 

“Dragonball Durag” will appear on his fourth studio album It is What It Is, scheduled for release April 3rd.