Jelani Lateef Reveals His New Clips for “I’m a Star” and “Can’t Stop Now”
Chicago hip-hop powerhouse Jelani Lateef is a swift current of perseverance and inspiration—infusing vulnerability and hope into each of his meticulously crafted tracks. Garnering critical acclaim over the last fourteen years as a musician, producer, and CEO, his street tough hip-hop style is a “breath of fresh air” that gives voice to the blue-collar grind, people like Jelani himself, who wears many hats to get by and build a meaningful life. “I’m a Star” and “Can’t Stop Now” are just two of many examples of his tenacious spirit—nearly all of his tracks radiate confidence and possess an unquestionable capability to uplift. Resilience isn’t just a theme in his music—but in his greater story. With a new album on the horizon, a highly-anticipated sequel to his EP, For the Record, he remains keenly focused on keeping up the momentum, inspiring others to fight through their challenges with their head held high—because good things will come to those who press on.
“I’m a Star” is a seamless follow-up to “Can’t Stop Now.” Reflecting on “surviving the perfect storm,” the track serves as both an anthem of self-belief and a reassuring hand on the shoulder. With years of experience under his belt, Jelani delivers fluid, earwormy verses with finesse over a crisp boom-bap beat. He understands the frustration, disappointment, and dejection of being overlooked despite his talent, yet he refuses to let anything dull his shine or stand in his way. Instead, he channels his unwavering positivity into everything he creates—reminding listeners that accolades are just one part of a person’s journey—and it doesn’t solely define success.
The music video puts Jelani front and center—a living example of the resilience needed to chase one’s dreams—having made it out the other side. At first glance, this self-edited music video may seem understated—there’s none of the bling, cars, or cameos often expected in mainstream hip-hop videos. But it’s all by design—his engaging performance is both grounded and electrifying—perfectly matching the track’s anthemic qualities. Bringing his vision to life in every aspect of the production process, filmed by his ten-year-old daughter, the overlaid effects add an eye-catching layer of grit and vibrancy, proving once again that one can never count this star out of the game.
Both tracks tell his story, but “Can’t Stop Now,” digs deeper—an honest, thoughtful reflection of Jelani’s character, mettle, and drive. Despite facing numerous hardships in life, there’s one thing he never does—give up. In “Can’t Stop Now,” he vows to keep pushing forward—even when the road gets tough—because he knows deep down he always has a will and a way. Dripping with soul—the track offers a laid-back yet melodic glimpse into his story and the trials that shaped him.
In the music video, he delivers his truth straight to the people of his hometown—setting up a mic on the streets of Chicago and letting it all go. Inspired by his perseverance, his niece—who dreams of becoming a star gymnast—begins practicing with newfound determination. Even when she stumbles, she doesn’t call it quits—his words lingering in the back of her mind, “Since I made it this far, I can’t stop now.” After relentless effort, she finally nails a super-satisfying sequence of flips—throwing her hands in the air in triumph. Looking back, it’s clear that Jelani truly never stopped either. If anything, he’s more driven than ever, ready to pack a punch into his latest projects. Though it's been a bumpy road—his journey is far from over.
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