Asia
Jianbo brings 18th-century aristocracy to life on ‘Cradle 2 The Sky’
The Chinese-Vietnamese-British MC gets lost in his own head
The last time LiFTED featured Jianbo, his head was in a bamboo steamer busting out some Grime on ‘Mongkok Madness.’ Three years later, he’s back as an 18th-century aristocrat with a deep meaning on ‘Cradle 2 The Sky.’
From the label Eastern Margins, ‘Cradle 2 The Sky’ was produced by Skydaddy, who had been listening to a lot of Brazilian records before making the track. He was originally going to sing on the track, but once he heard Jianbo’s distinctive baritone raps, Skydaddy decided to let him have it all. Sadly, a few days before shooting the video, Jianbo’s close friend passed away, so he’s reflective and emotional as he spits his rhymes in the song that is dedicated to him.
The video is shot in a grand country house and is hilariously over-the-top with its serious tone. The scenes of JIanbo getting his portrait done and shooting some game in a regal outfit are outlandish and somber at the same time. Jianbo said about the track, “This song is about being caught between what you think you should be doing and what really matters. It’s a late-night train of thought, those moments where you’re in the function, surrounded by people, but lost in your own head.
Check out Jianbo’s ‘Cradle 2 The Sky’ below.