Emotional Oranges have always thrived in the space between retro flair and future-forward R&B, but with “Candy Gum,” the enigmatic duo takes that formula and gives it an unapologetic, cinematic twist. Featuring pop firepower from Jessie Reyez and Becky G, the track was already a standout when it dropped on Valentine’s Day. Now, with a newly released visual, the song blossoms into something far more vivid—sultry, stylized, and unapologetically cool.
Directed with a reverent nod to Tarantino’s slow-burn chaos and ‘70s film noir aesthetics, the “Candy Gum” video is a neon-soaked fever dream. Think Kill Bill meets Charlie’s Angels, if the angels ditched the espionage and leaned all the way into swagger, sensuality, and sisterhood. But this isn’t style over substance—the song itself is a sticky-sweet concoction that lives up to its name: light, addictive, and just the right amount of provocative.
Emotional Oranges have never been ones to chase radio trends. Their allure lies in how they deconstruct modern R&B tropes and reassemble them through a cinematic lens, and here, that vision is fully realized. The production is lush but minimal, giving space for all three voices to weave in and out of each other with ease. Reyez brings a raw edge, all attitude and grit, while Becky G rides the beat with effortless charm. The result is a power trio that somehow feels as cohesive as it does chaotic—in the best way.
What’s most striking, however, is how fully committed the group is to world-building. “Candy Gum” isn’t just a single—it’s a statement. Emotional Oranges are no longer just curators of vibe; they’re auteurs. And this debut album they’re teasing? If this track is any indication, it might be the sonic equivalent of stumbling upon a vintage photo album in a thrift store that somehow captures your entire adolescence—sun-faded, a little messy, and emotionally loaded.
It’s rare for a music video to feel like a lost scene from a cult film, but that’s exactly the energy here. It doesn’t rely on nostalgia—it weaponizes it. Between the swaggering pace, the cinematic silhouettes, and the chemistry between its stars, “Candy Gum” isn’t just a music video. It’s a vibe manifesto.
