After a disappointing album release in 2004 and four years of silence, Ashanti is drumming up some serious noise with the release of her new album, The Declaration. In her latest music video, “The Way That I Love You,” Ashanti takes revenge on her adulterous boyfriend by stabbing him with a butcher knife, smearing his blood all over the house, and leaving his body in the bathtub. The video doesn’t scrimp on the gore factor, and includes multiple gruesome images under the headline “Ashanti Is Suspect In Boyfriend’s Death.” Before the music video was released, a website—TheWayThatILoveYou.com—was created for visitors who could send personalized versions of the video to other people. The “Gotchagrams” was like a hand of cards in Clue, featuring the person’s name, their crime, and the weapon of choice. Unsurprisingly, the promotional stunt provoked nationwide controversy and fomented protests outside the West Coast Universal/Motown Offices in Los Angeles on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. The website was eventually removed, but Universal Records announced that they “stand by their artist and her creative choices.” See the video below:
I’m constantly reminding my boyfriend that if he ever cheats on me, I’m going to cut off a certain private part of his. I’m kidding, of course, but many scorned musicians are taking revenge on a cheating partner to the next level in their music videos. Are the vengeful ideas portrayed in these music videos examples of possible situations? Or are they so extreme that they are completely unbelievable?
Here are our favorite music videos living out our dreams of revenge...
Beyonce, “Irreplaceable”
Beyonce’s video “Irreplaceable” is at the top of my list of cheating music videos not only because it’s the most believable, but also because there’s nothing sexier than a beautiful, accomplished woman who takes charge of her life and the people in it. In the video Beyonce kicks her cheating man to the curb. She’s pictured in a beautiful estate—complete with a hot sports car—watching her man pack his stuff and leave. “I could have another you in a minute,” she croons. Yep, that’s what she said.
Trey Songz, “Last Time”
Trey Songz is sneaking around late at night with his chick on the side in his video “Last Time.” He tries to do the right thing by ending his adulterous relationship before his girlfriend finds out and gets hurt, but Trey waits until it’s too late. The night he finally decides to end things, guess who follows him and finds out about what he’s been doing? Trey loses both girls in one night. That’s got to hurt. Trey, you shouldn’t have been cheating in the first place!
Rihanna, “Unfaithful”
Rihanna not only pulls it off, but in her video “Unfaithful” we actually feel bad for her as she cheats on her guy. The confessional video portrays a guilty songstress who stops her fling on the side before her boyfriend finds out. Personal experience tells me that Rihanna’s situation is definitely believable. But HELLO Rihanna! If you’re cheating on him, chances are that you aren’t really in love with him.
Rihanna, “Take a Bow”
In her more recent video “Take A Bow” Rihanna kicks her man out for cheating on her, but she loses us when she arranges a meeting with him, puts some of his things on a table, and calmly sets them on fire right in front of him, Waiting-to-Exhale style. Really, Rihanna? Just kick the poor excuse for a man out and be done with him.
Jaheim, “Put that Woman First”
Jaheim tells guys to treat their woman right in his video “Put That Woman First.” He’s pictured ignoring his girl, arguing with her, and being out with other women. When his girlfriend finally gets fed up and tries to leave him, he surprises her with a giant rock to put on a very special finger. Guys, our love can’t be bought! (Well…maybe it can!)
Carrie Underwood, “Before He Cheats”
Don’t let Carrie Underwood’s blonde hair and cute southern accent fool you into thinking she’s sweet and innocent. Little girl has a temper! And she shows us exactly what happened when her man strayed in her video “Before He Cheats.” Like she says in her song, Carrie is pictured digging her key into her guy’s sports car, carving her name in his leather seats, taking a baseball bat to his headlights, and slashing holes in his tires. Carrie, you rock! Let him have what he deserves, but try not to get arrested.
Justin Timberlake, “What Goes Around