Be Honest

“Be Honest” is the latest track from young British musician Jorja Smith, who’s last album “Lost and Found” released in 2018, was nominated for a Grammy. Her latest track sees her choose a more upbeat feel and tone, far less melancholy than Smith’s previous tracks.

Written by Smith, Miraa May and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, “Be Honest”, according to Smith was inspired by the phrase “Hot Girl Summer”, created by American rapper Megan Thee Stallion. According to an article on Apple Music, Smith originally planned to give the song to another singer, but changed her mind last minute as she thought it would be a good change to her previous slow tracks. “Be Honest” is a plea from Smith to her future lovers to be truthful with her, as she will be with them, but that she “can be heartless, regardless of my conscience”.

The music video was released on the same day as the audio – the 16th August. Directed by Amber Grace Johnson, the video follows Smith around London during a heatwave, including scenes of swimming late at night, cruising through London on a motorcycle, and dancing around the streets of south London with friends. Johnson spoke to Rolling Stone magazine about the process of creating the video: ““We wanted to invite the world in, to experience a different side of Jorja. Free and full of light, and some ‘Hot Girl Summer’ energy.’ While writing in my AC-filled apartment in Brooklyn, I thought about how there’s nothing quite like summers in the city. You’re caught between concrete high rises, sweating from heat delirium, with our makeshift fire hydrant beaches. Yet despite it all, there’s a contagious air that floods the city, and your imagination becomes infinite.” As of mid September 2019, the music video has over 14.5 million views.

Release Date: 16th August 2019

Songwriter/s: Miraa May, Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) & Jorja Smith

Producer/s: Cadenza & IzyBeats

Label/s: FAMM

Music Video Release Date: 16th August 2019

Music Video Director: Amber Grace Johnson

Chart Rankings: “Be Honest” reached its peak chart position in the UK Indie charts, ranking at #2. It also charted #18 in the UK singles chart, #12 in the UK R&B chart, #51 in Switzerland, #5 in New Zealand, #48 in Ireland, #121 in France, #5 in Belgium, and lastly #77 in Australia.