On most people’s birthdays, they expect gifts. But fans of Chinese pop star Lay Zhang were presented with a surprise music video on Saturday (Oct. 7) for the artist’s new English song “Give Me A Chance” to coincide with his 27th birthday.
“Give Me A Chance” came out on Oct. 5 and is the first song released off of Lay’s third solo album NAMANANA, which is set to drop on Oct. 19. The track was produced by the singer-songwriter and co-written by Bazzi, Mike Woods, Kevin White, and MZMC, and incorporates trap beats over a dreamy melody as he rhythmically croons before incorporating a swaggering rap break as he sings to a former lover.
The monochromatic music video puts the focus on Lay’s skill as a dancer, with little distracting from his captivating moves as shuffles and grooves to the beat sensually amid an industrial setting and on rooftops. With a newsboy cap and aerial acrobatics, there’s a (probably inadvertent) touch of Newsies to be had in Lay’s performance, as he declares his intentions in the sexy number, before ending things off by baring himself for the camera.
Lay’s NAMANANA will be released with both Chinese and English songs, for a total of 22 songs. It is his first bi-lingual album, and the first one that will be available physically Stateside. It will be followed by his return to K-pop boy band EXO next month, as he will be featured on the group’s upcoming Don’t Mess Up My Tempo album. He last appeared on one of the group’s albums in 2016 and has since focused on his solo career in China.
Watch Lay’s new video below.