A Love Letter, A Loss, and A Legacy
For Atlanta rapper and singer Damez, every visual is an opportunity to tell layered, intentional stories—ones that honor his city, his influences, and the many versions of himself that often go unseen. His latest single, Adore, is no exception. Inspired by the golden eras of 90s R&B and the Y2K ATL snap movement, the video is a cinematic, era-hopping love letter to Black boy bands, adolescent crushes, and the softer, more vulnerable side of Damez he’s rarely shown.
“This is a more loving, vulnerable, happier side of Damez that people don’t usually get to see,” he shared. “I wanted the video to feel like something I grew up watching on BET, something you could see on 106 & Park back in 2002.”
But what was meant to be a nostalgic celebration of Black love and youth now carries a profound layer of grief and advocacy.
Adore arrived on April 23, just nine days after the devastating passing of Damez’s friend and video co-star, Maliek “Wyatt” Danridge, who died by suicide. The release has since become both a tribute and a catalyst for larger conversations around mental health in Black communities—especially for Black men
“This has been really heavy to process,” Damez wrote in a heartfelt post. “Maliek was extremely loved in the community and touched many people. I spoke with his parents to make sure it was still okay to release the video, and they were excited about it—just like he was to be in it.”
An “In Loving Memory” title card now opens the visual, ensuring Maliek’s presence and joy are honored.
Honoring Maliek and Supporting His Family
In the wake of this tragedy, a GoFundMe has been created to support Maliek’s family with funeral expenses and ensure they feel the community’s care and solidarity during this time of mourning. Damez has also shared the link in his bio and the video’s promotional posts, encouraging fans to offer tangible support for Maliek’s loved ones as they navigate this loss.
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, Damez hopes this moment can spark a larger, overdue conversation—particularly around the vulnerability, grief, and mental health struggles Black men face.
“Maliek is the second friend I’ve lost to suicide,” Damez wrote. “The first was heterosexual. Black men of all orientations need to feel more comfortable being vulnerable. We need safe spaces to feel and be seen. I plan to amplify my mental health advocacy in a really impactful way going forward.”
A Throwback Fantasy Grounded in Atlanta Love
Directed and choreographed by Lyrik London and co-edited by Damez himself, Adore is the third visual from his latest R&B-pop album Never Satisfied. True to Damez’s creative vision, the video is both cinematic and era-hopping—placing him in nostalgic roles like a 90s R&B frontman, a Y2K ATL trio member, and a modern-day loverboy.
Set against a vintage-tinted aesthetic, the video plays like a love letter to adolescent crushes and the golden age of Black music videos. Scenes shift from a skating rink choreo sequence to sun-drenched park shots, where Damez wears a loose white tee with soft graffiti reading I adore you in baby blue—a subtle but powerful visual cue for the song’s theme.
“I always try to be intentional in whatever I do, and for this visual I really wanted to pay homage to my city of Atlanta and the culture I grew up in,” he says. “The 90s R&B boy group era and the ATL snap movement were both really formative for me. This is a side of me people don’t usually see—a side that’s soft, fun, and romantic.”
Music With Meaning—And a Deeper Mission
Sonically, Adore is warm, catchy, and smooth—invoking the vibe of a late-night slow jam while still keeping the tempo danceable. The song, like the video, walks the line between emotional depth and youthful fun. And now, with Maliek’s memory embedded in its release, it also serves as a tribute: not just to a friend, but to everyone struggling in silence.
“This project has taken on a new purpose,” Damez says. “I hope it brings people joy, and I hope it opens up space for conversations we often avoid.”
You can watch Damez speak more about this in the GLAAD Hangout hosted by Shar Jossell, where they discussed honoring Maliek, reflection, community, and mental health advocacy. During the event, Damez also led attendees in a moment of tribute for Maliek, ensuring space was held to honor his life, his joy, and his legacy.
Stream Adore and Join the Conversation
Watch Adore now on YouTube and stream it on all platforms and make sure to follow @damez on social media to stay up to date on what’s next for the genre-bending artist.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Please reach out to someone or call/text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (US).
