Diamond Girl (Video 1)

61 Comments

This is the edit of the video that premiered on BET’s 106 & Park on Friday, April 4th, 2008. I had a huge vision for this video to feel like a live television performance that gave tribute to a James Brown piece I saw on the Ed Sullivan show.

I saved up my money and had the EXACT same stage built that James performed on. I then hired a band to cut the live version. After that, I worked with everyone on the stage to have that throwback vibe. I paid to shoot the performance on a blue screen with the intention of having the set of the Ed Sullivan show digitally recreated behind me. My label disagreed.

They felt that the live version felt too much like a remix.

They also felt that we needed to rush on the video so the final edit came back without the digital stage – just changed the blue to black and added some lights, and cutaway graphics of diamonds.

My original treatment called for the video to be set in the late 60’s just like James Brown’s performance. I wanted to have families huddled around the television watching this performance like they used to back then.

When I got to LA to shoot, the entire set was modern and a piece of me died. My vision was compromised. Rather than be an ungrateful artist, I stayed and gave my best performance.

The video that’s airing is really only a partial representation of my artistic vision.

Here are a few of the audio edits I’ve made that are featured in the vid that you’re seeing:

* First, I had someone come to the studio and say the following dialogue in French:

“Ryan. Wait for me. I’m not even ready! I can’t believe you’re gonna leave me here…You’re driving me crazy – I can’t do this anymore. Ryan – if you leave – we’re finished! YOU SPENT $3000 ON A DRESS – don’t you wanna see me in it?? Oh..ok – fine… GO! Amuse yourself with the girls at your show!! And if you think I’ll be here when you get back – THINK AGAIN!!”

* Second, I convinced Evan to do the voice-over of my manager.

* Third, I re-cut my dialogue from the beginning and added the sound of running water to enhance the vibe of our bathroom conversation.

* Fourth, I added the sound of the door opening before the video starts.

* Added a few horn stabs to parts of the performance when I’m gesturing to the band to “hit me”.

* Put some applause at the end of the performance scene.

* Added the sound of screaming girls, running feet, more screaming girls and the car door closing.

The lesson I learned here is that when you have a strong creative vision – do everything in your power to see it through. I am very thankful that I have a video on TV. Many artists are still striving for that milestone. Regardless, this experience encouraged me to shoot another video as well as an 11 minute short film based on “Diamond Girl”.

Originally posted on YouTube.

 

Posted: January 14th, 2009 | Under: Music Videos

61 Comments on “Diamond Girl (Video 1)”

  1. 1 Sandra Tatum said at 4:38 pm on February 7th, 2009:

    I LOVE YOUR MUSIC.MY SON SANDON INTRODUCED ME TO YOUR MUSIC AND I’VE BEEN A FAN EVER SINCE!!! CONGRATS ON YOUR ALBUM COMING OUT AND THE SKY IS THE LIMIT FOR YOU. MUCH LOVE…..SANDRA

  2. 2 Samuel Sherbin said at 6:44 pm on February 7th, 2009:

    I love this video for Diamond Girl it’s classic. They tried to put me in a box it’s impossible

  3. 3 Facebook User said at 7:27 pm on February 8th, 2009:

    http://www.myspace.com/dizray
    come by and check me out!

  4. 4 David Cortorreal said at 8:26 pm on February 8th, 2009:

    the song is hot

  5. 5 Alicia Malena Ferrell said at 9:59 pm on February 9th, 2009:

    How many tracks are on the album? And is the release date the same worldwide? I am looking forward to buying this album. I am soo excited!!!!

  6. 6 Eric El said at 3:34 am on February 11th, 2009:

    amazing video…. even if the full vision wasnt there…. still 35 out of 10 stars

  7. 7 Amber Toyota said at 2:52 pm on February 11th, 2009:

    I’m just glad that we have artist’s like this still left in this world. It’s just really good music you know.

  8. 8 Claudia Sutiono said at 1:02 pm on February 16th, 2009:

    Your music speaks to me in ways I cannot describe, whenever in doubt, I’d take the time to visit your site and never has it once failed to uplift my spirits. You’re a genius at what you do and I am overwhelmed by your confidence as a rising artist in the music industry. I hope to join you in future as an artist in the entertainment industry. You’re an inspiration to me. Please don’t ever stop making incredible music, its your time to shine.

    xoxo

  9. 9 Claudia Sutiono said at 1:06 pm on February 16th, 2009:

    oh and i forgot to add .. i’ve learnt one of your many songs on piano titled “valentine”.. it’s still incomplete though haha . once i get my hands on protools i’ll post another reply :)

  10. 10 Kayode Animashaun said at 2:03 am on February 18th, 2009:

    Hey Ryan,
    I’m really feeling your music..I love it so much . Your style is unique , Keep it up….
    When are you coming to london to perform?

  11. 11 Angela Bridges said at 3:52 pm on February 19th, 2009:

    This Brotha’ is toooooo hot .. bout’ time someone new, someone as innovative and as talented as Ryan Leslie come around .. been waitin’ for dis’ one for a long time .. so fresh!! When I purchased the cd, I played it OVER & OVER & OVER AGAIN FOR A WEEK .. IT TOOK ME TO ANOTHER PLACE!! I first noticed this ‘genius artist’ when I went in to the Record store and his music was ablazin’ in the atmosphere .. I had to find out who it was .. Well, that’s my story .. I’m now a fan for life!! Peace & Luv Always Ryan!! Keep doing what cha doin’ Brotha’ .. Don’t Eva Stop!! -Angi

  12. 12 Facebook User said at 8:42 pm on February 22nd, 2009:

    very nice

  13. 13 Angelique Schierz Crusius said at 6:01 am on February 23rd, 2009:

    Well done :) its brilliant !!!!

  14. 14 Alex Fuentes said at 7:08 am on February 27th, 2009:

    My Brother plays trumpet on the right side of the stage (2nd row, 2nd person)but…. the left side when ur watching the Video.

    This was a highlight wacthing this in TV

  15. 15 Terrell PAul said at 10:46 am on March 3rd, 2009:

    my man your music is the truth….i write music and all but i never thought i would hear music at your stage ya know u is an inspiration to me i look up to u as a musician/producer and as a person…see u when i get to the top

  16. 16 Monica White said at 8:32 pm on March 4th, 2009:

    nice vid!
    i have recently (i apologize) fallen in love w/ u ! my best friend rob told me about u & i didnt pay him much attention until i heard ur music & saw ur process on youtube!

    you rock dude!
    k.i.t.
    :)

  17. 17 Aaron Thandi said at 11:40 am on March 10th, 2009:

    Its a shame your vision was blurred by the label… Great job tho, the records hot and this video is cool too!

  18. 18 Facebook User said at 10:10 am on March 18th, 2009:

    I heard about you from Usher’s twitter and as we say in South Africa ublind son….uya rocker son.

  19. 19 Abdul Hamid said at 1:08 pm on March 21st, 2009:

    Franchement très grand Mr de la chanson , très belle instru , un bel album agréable à écouter , j’espère que le succès sera au rendez-vous…..

  20. 20 Cassie Brown said at 3:01 am on March 23rd, 2009:

    i like this song a lot, :]

  21. 21 Donald Akakeem said at 5:07 pm on March 24th, 2009:

    nice tune if u understand wat he is sayin

  22. 22 Clarisse Adriana said at 9:14 pm on March 28th, 2009:

    this song is the reason behind my being a fan. i was flipping through the channels and stopped on bet one day. this video was on and i was caught. something about the way you ran ur fingers across those keys stuck with me. the song never left my head. i went to youtube to see the video again. after watching it, i viewed some of your other works. this led to my addiction to “addiction”, my love of “I-R-I-N-A”, and my admiration of the rock version of “how it was supposed to be.” to this day, i can’t stop by youtube without watching “the making of ‘addiction’” (my #1 fave video of all time)

  23. 23 Daniel Ramos said at 3:41 pm on March 29th, 2009:

    yo man ur the best ! ! ! !

  24. 24 Yolanda Burton said at 4:36 pm on March 29th, 2009:

    You come second to NONE…believe that! you are absolutely amazing, your style and natural uniqueness is what sets you apart from others…I love this song and the video

  25. 25 Chris DaPrince Igwonobe said at 11:46 am on March 30th, 2009:

    Str8 up homie, u r an inspiration foreel..ima college kid rite now at UTD, and seein ur hard work and hustle drives me to succeed in school and also make it in the music world…i seriously wanna be on ur level man, and one day ima be there…lookout for me

  26. 26 Hunan Na-Na Chau said at 9:07 am on March 31st, 2009:

    your music is amazing. you are one of the greatest musicians of our time. you play like every single instrument and make beats, songwriter, singer, basically you are a music composer. i’m your number one fan!!! i got diamond girl tatted on me. much love

    hunan

  27. 27 Blackheart Adonis said at 12:17 pm on April 2nd, 2009:

    so crazy

    twitter.com/followblack
    myspace.com/blackheartadonis

  28. 28 Gregg Kazadi said at 7:43 am on April 8th, 2009:

    do ur thing homie that’s tha shizzle for reallllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaamn !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  29. 29 Adem Diederichs said at 5:15 pm on April 11th, 2009:

    NS4LIFE

    peace

  30. 30 Gordon Wray said at 8:54 pm on April 14th, 2009:

    Fresh Vid, bro..a force to be reckoned with in the R&B game..

  31. 31 Facebook User said at 11:49 pm on April 15th, 2009:

    fresh song off da block man.d song large for real in trinidad an all man. keep bringin da hit dude..trini boy in da buildin..peace

  32. 32 Clote Lewis said at 12:30 pm on April 19th, 2009:

    http://beauty-and-beats.blogspot.com/2009/04/tasty-beats-mmmm-ryan-leslie.html

  33. 33 Tally Knight said at 5:58 pm on April 22nd, 2009:

    Peace Mr. Leslie. Just stopping by to show some much due Love and Respect. Now…………………………………….when are we gonna get together to do the Diamond Girl remix, please?….My version is much too reflective of the original to be left another “in the shower” song…..’and don’t worry…I understand that a remix must sound like a remix and not a do-over…..Im in awe: seeing what your conglomerate is bringing to The Music World, and I’m just being humble, yet honest and hungry.when I tell you I’m Definately trying to be down with Next Selection…and I WILL hold my weight ddddddown. Loyalty, Commitment,Loyalty, Dedication,Loyalty,Writing Skills, Loyalty……I got it, I got it(………it’s all in the Diamond Girl Remix…..lol )
    FirstLady*Bless*

  34. 34 Nikki Socute said at 12:32 pm on April 26th, 2009:

    RLes you said the lable didn’t agree to the vision you had and a peice of you died I’m glad you stayed and gave your best performance. That was a strong message to send out to other people to never give up you’ll never know the out come if you don’t try Thanks Les peace&blessings NS4life “skys the limit but what about space” <3

  35. 35 Facebook User said at 11:55 pm on April 26th, 2009:

    Nice music….very nice.

  36. 36 Sophia Pathmanathan said at 2:35 pm on May 18th, 2009:

    Ryan Leslie, you are so one of a million. I love all your songs , they all have beautiful meanings, that’s what made me fall in love with you.I really love the song and music video “Diamond Girl”. Makes a girl feel so special all the time they listen to it(it’s my cell phone ringtone :D ). Your so smart,stylish and successful, I love your swag, keep it up :)

    Number one fan xoxo Sophia

  37. 37 Tito Valery said at 6:34 am on May 27th, 2009:

    wanted to dwnload yur vid to show cats dwn here that dnt know abt yu yet…i love the addicted track wth cass…y yu aint put kanye on it..spittin a lil verse..i say yall cld be the shit togetha! holla!
    Tito from Cameroon Central-Africa

  38. 38 Ahmet Tarik Öztürk said at 4:45 am on June 6th, 2009:

    hey ryan come to germany

  39. 39 Christian Barr said at 5:44 pm on June 9th, 2009:

    Awesome Video.

  40. 40 Bobo Motaung said at 4:32 am on June 18th, 2009:

    I first saw your video “How It Was Supposed To Be” on MTV and they did not show the name of the artist. So I went to the Music Store and looked for the guy that looks like one of the Edmonds Brothers (After 7), and that’s how I knew who you were. I have been playing the CD in my car for two weeks non-stop now. I love it. I am more impressed by what went into the producing of the video, and I must complement you on your talent. Great work. Any plans on working with young and upcoming artists? Bobo Motaung (South Africa)

  41. 41 Cedric De Clippeleir said at 2:40 pm on June 25th, 2009:

    Gonna buy the album fo sho,
    1 of the best real artist @ the moment.

    grtz (from belgium)
    =)

  42. 42 Ryan Leslie - My Official Site and Video Diary » Blog Archive » About ‘I-R-I-N-A’ said at 1:46 pm on July 14th, 2009:

    [...] is the spelling of my girl Irina Shayk’s name. Google her. Before I made my James Brown inspired video, I produced and shot this “Diamond Girl” campaign with [...]

  43. 43 Facebook User said at 9:33 pm on July 25th, 2009:

    Bought the CD and I can’t stop listening to it. The talent, the energy, the creativity is what music is suppose to be about. Ryan Leslie has truly been gifted by God.

  44. 44 Jenny Jermin said at 12:08 pm on July 31st, 2009:

    Ryan Leslie, you are in the Diamond city Amsterdam today. I love all your songs , they all are beautiful . Ga zo door :-)

    Jenny from Holland

  45. 45 Teema Artist said at 10:00 am on August 2nd, 2009:

    HI,My best friend is a producer and ur a big inspiration to her.She signed up with this meet&greet contest(that she won) in amstrdam to see you can give you her demo..and give her maybe a shot for internship..(even 4 one week)
    I really hope u take a short ime to listen to it..and even if u dont like it ..just holla at her and tell her what u like..or even dont like./what she can do to improve…It will mean alot to her!!
    I really appriciate it.!!

    And you are Right at the show!!

    ….Anything is Possible..!!
    …Tell them TEEMA told you that! ;)

    (btw,,i took a pic with u at the backstage…u can check my myspace to c it..the girl with alot of hair.lol)

    much respect,

    Teema

    http://www.teemamusic.com
    http://www.myspace.com/teemamusic

  46. 46 Dawn Stockhausen said at 12:05 pm on August 19th, 2009:

    I’m new to this site, my lil brother had me look @ u on youtube, been a fan ever since. I really like your music, and it shows that anyone can achieve their goals no matter what is b4 them.

    Dawn

  47. 47 Darrell Anderson said at 9:55 pm on August 22nd, 2009:

    I was already a fan of yours when Diamond Girl first came out, and now that your first album has been released and You’re Not My Girl is getting radio love I’m an even bigger fan. Your music is so original and fresh and your style is unbelievable….and you’ve been in the game so long already as a writter it seems only natural that your star would continue to rise into the spotlight. You’re a great talent and I admire your work. Good luck in all you do my man.

  48. 48 Theo White said at 11:30 pm on August 22nd, 2009:

    Ryan Leslie is a musical genious. Not like Wayne, or Pac, or Biggie. But like Beethoven or Quincy Jones.

  49. 49 Monaim Smain said at 4:15 pm on August 26th, 2009:

    respect la grand classsss

  50. 50 Ryan Leslie » “You’re Not My Girl” [Video] « Elevated, An Urban Lifestyle Guide said at 8:16 pm on September 6th, 2009:

    [...] album “Transition” is here. Though at first scene it seemed that our bow-tied serenader from the “Diamond Girl” video had gone all “Disturbia” on us, but thankfully he keeps it simple and smart, fulfilling the [...]

  51. 51 Ogunleye Morolake Ayodele said at 5:30 am on September 9th, 2009:

    Ryan i love this video, great performance, great music, i mean…u do it like u know it! U are totaly different. Can u come to NIgeria? ‘ll be the d 1st to be there. Ryan, u number one on my list! Keep it up!

  52. 52 Facebook User said at 12:57 pm on September 10th, 2009:

    Dear Ryan, your song inspired me to create this tee shirt for women.
    I hope you will have the time to look at it..hmm maybe you might even like it..

    http://www.iamliterati.com/shop/literati-shop-woman-diamond-girl-black.html

    Amina…x

  53. 53 Garry Smith said at 9:18 am on September 11th, 2009:

    Always loved the music. funny thing is i came across a youtube video of you back in 1994 on KXTV. You have always had a god given talent and you have shared that talent back to the community. God bless

  54. 54 Facebook User said at 3:44 pm on November 7th, 2009:

    Lovin’ your music;) My best friend’s husband told me about you and I’ve been hooked ever since.

    Blessings and continued success to you.

  55. 55 Facebook User said at 5:14 pm on November 15th, 2009:

    No one can not possibly watch and listen to any one of your videos without feeling the passion in the music and having a smile on their face.

  56. 56 Facebook User said at 2:41 pm on November 16th, 2009:

    On my Ryan Leslie high yet again. Gotta <3 good music :-)

  57. 57 Next Gen Music - About ‘I-R-I-N-A’ said at 8:48 pm on November 22nd, 2009:

    [...] LA. “I-R-I-N-A” is the spelling of my friend Irina Shayk’s name. Google her. Before I made my James Brown inspired video, I produced and shot this “Diamond Girl” campaign with [...]

  58. 58 Deen Uthman said at 2:57 pm on December 30th, 2009:

    Superb stuff, lovely concept for the video and great music.

  59. 59 Safa Elzein said at 11:36 pm on January 16th, 2010:

    Ryan leslie ur the shit!
    i love all your songs!

  60. 60 Facebook User said at 12:32 am on February 2nd, 2010:

    This is one of my favorite songs Ryan. I uploaded an acoustic cover of it to YouTube, it’s a joy to sing and play…I’d be honored if you watched it…and even more so if you enjoy watching it lol.

    youtube.com/andreolsenmusic

  61. 61 Afari Owusu said at 4:07 am on February 28th, 2010:

    Nice video like the song very much. what is the name of designer who made your tuxedo? it’s really nice.

Leave a Reply