Erykah Badu Invites Us To Enjoy The View In Her “Window Seat” Video

Erykah Badu’s jazzy “Window Seat” finds the soul star just trying to flee the anxieties of a demanding relationship (“I just want a ticket outta town”), but the surprising new video offers a totally different perspective on escape: Erykah peels off her clothing — all of it — while walking through Dallas’ Dealey Plaza, the site of President John F. Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. She shot it all in one take, for obvious reasons. Watch her stroll through the scene of the crime below:

The madly hatted soul star tweeted over the weekend that she consulted with producer (and father of her youngest daughter) Jay Electronica as well as OutKast’s Andre 3000, a former boyfriend and father to her son, before deciding to go through with the shoot. We’re glad she did.

Directed by Coodie Rock and inspired by the slow-motion streaking of Brooklyn-based duo Matt and Kim, the video follows Erykah on a soft-focus journey that reflects her bohemian spirit while evoking at least a little of the irrational reality of watching your own relationship slowly founder. We don’t want to spoil the whole ending (it is a little jarring), but it’s worth repeating Erykah’s closing voiceover: Those “who play it safe are quick to assassinate what they do not understand.” See if you pick up what she’s putting down (other than her hoodie and pants) below:

How did it feel? Erykah herself tweeted that the “funny thing is , the physical nudity is nothing lol. i been naked all along in my words actions and deeds. thats the real vulnerable place”.

Support for the video poured in on Twitter all weekend, with thumbs-up reviews coming from everyone from pop/R&B artist and songwriter Keri Hilson to soul singer Mayer Hawthorne.

What did you think? Is there really a message here, or is this ultimately just a way to garner attention?

[Via Rap-Up]