On May 27, Robert Glasper released Everything’s Beautiful, a collection of Miles Davis-inspired tunes featuring reworks of the originals with contributions from Stevie Wonder, Phonte, Bilal, Illa J, and more. Erykah Badu is also featured prominently, not only as a vocalist but now also as the creative mind and director behind a new video.

Robert Glasper & Bilal Re-Interpret Miles Davis’ “The Ghetto Walk” (Video)

Taking a cue from the French film style of the 1960s, Erykah Badu and Robert Glasper’s visual component for their rendition of Miles Davis’ “Maiysha” is more than a music video. It stars Badu as Sarah Bellam, a siren of the stage whose career demands make her difficult to work with, but whose undeniable talent has allowed her continued success. It isn’t until the 2:55 mark that the music begins, as Badu puts on some phenomenal character play in a foreign accent, with Glasper playing her exasperated co-performer. The middle portion of the video is a straightforward performance sequence, but the story – which is written by Badu herself – doesn’t end when the song is finished.

Also starring in the video for “Maiysha (So Long)” are drummer Rashad “Ringo” Smith, bassist Braylon Lacy and trumpet player Frédéric Yonnet.