H.E.R. Performs Unreleased Song "Anti" At MTV VMAs

BYErika Marie5.9K Views
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She questioned people's obsession with social media standards.

After taking to the 2019 MTV VMAs red carpet with her pet snake, one of which she claims she has five of at home, H.E.R. took to the stage with her band to perform her unreleased single, "Anti." The 22-year-old Grammy Award-winning artist opened her performance by standing alone in front of a screen that mimicked that of the cover of a magazine. As she sang, the questions "Who decides real beauty?" and "Who are you doing this for?" popped up.

Later, her backup singers joined her on stage and some were wearing t-shirts that supported the song's message as their garments read "anti-bullying," "anti-racism," "anti-sexism" and "anti-brutality." As her singers engaged in beautiful harmonies, H.E.R. grabbed her guitar and began shredding away, ending her performance with a standing ovation.

The mellow ballad takes aim at society's obsession with keeping up with the social media illusion and highlights the extreme measures people go through to gain acceptance from total strangers. Let us know what you think.

Quotable Lyrics

What are we doing this for?
I know you can't breathe when you move in that tight dress
And your feet are killing you
Who you trying to impress?


About The Author
Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.