Andre Muir's "Smoke Break Dance" video for Mick Jenkins is relevant for Music Entertainment as it not only offers a captivating visual experience but also delves deep into critical social issues like toxic masculinity and the impacts of patriarchy. This approach elevates the music video beyond mere entertainment, serving as a powerful medium for social commentary and encouraging viewers to reflect on and discuss these pervasive societal challenges.

"Smoke Break Dance" by Mick Jenkins, directed by Andre Muir, delves into the nuanced theme of toxic black masculinity, a reflection on societal expectations placed on black men. This work resonates deeply within American cultural contexts, particularly within African American communities, highlighting the pressures of conforming to a rigid, often harmful version of masculinity. The music video's narrative and visual storytelling draw on cultural experiences and challenges faced by black men, portraying their struggles with escapism through various vices. This cultural lens is crucial for understanding the video's commentary on how these societal pressures can lead to self-destructive behaviors, framed within a broader discussion of patriarchal structures. The incorporation of real-life events, such as the reference to Jordan Neely’s tragedy, underscores the urgent need for a reevaluation of these cultural narratives. This context is essential for the Jury to appreciate the depth and relevance of the work's social critique.

Inspired by the song's title, the video uses the metaphor of a 'smoke break'—a short escape from daily stressors—as a deeper commentary on how such breaks can become harmful escapisms. The brief was to create a narrative around the distractions that men, particularly black men, might seek out, and how these often lead to destructive behaviors. Andre Muir's approach was to use these vignettes to challenge stereotypes and promote a reflective dialogue on masculinity.

The music video employs a series of vignettes to depict individuals engaging in various forms of escapism as a coping mechanism for the pressures of societal expectations. By focusing on the negative impact of these societal pressures, the video aims to provoke reflection, encourage discourse on masculinity, and challenge normalized views of male behavior. This artistic choice supports a broader mission to spark change and promote a deeper understanding of these crucial social issues.

Andre Muir: What inspired my idea was the literal song title. A smoke break. You take them, normally at work. You're taking this break, this distraction from this other thing in your life that you think sucks, a job, school etc. But this little break is probably worse for you than that job could ever be. The song made me think about the different vices or “highs” we use to escape reality. But they can be double-edged swords as well. Sometimes the things we do to avoid and distract from our reality to gain some semblance of control ends up controlling us. I wanted to create a narrative video that showed different characters doing just that, only I wanted to focus these distractions around what I think is the root cause of alot of vices for men, which is black toxic masculinity.

The music video premiered on July 7th Online (YouTube, Vimeo, Instagram)

"Smoke Break-Dance" created a noteworthy impact, achieving remarkable engagement and appreciation for its creativity and the emotive depth. The video features an array of powerful vignettes, tied together by their different forms of toxic black masculinity, ultimately leading to the theme of escapism. This project not only showcases visionary storytelling techniques, but also reflects a dedication to exploring significant societal issues. It has served as a catalyst for change, prompting introspection and fostering a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of masculinity in its various forms. Recognised as a notable work, it presents a powerful and original perspective on a critically important subject, with visuals that align with the conceptual ambition.