Grammy-nominated multi-hyphenate artist Destin Conrad has officially released the high-energy music video for his track “CHI CHI,” a standout single from his critically acclaimed, reggae- and dancehall-infused studio project, ROADRUNNER. Released via ABOVE GROUND and EMPIRE, the visual captures the vibrant essence of a Caribbean bashment while boldly reclaiming a piece of musical history with complex cultural roots. Directed by Zev York and shot over the course of a single evening, the music video serves as a visual continuation of Conrad’s broader artistic mission on ROADRUNNER: bridging contemporary R&B sensibilities with the deep-rooted sounds of his Jamaican heritage.
Reclaiming a Legacy: The Reimagining of “Chi Chi Man”
At the core of “CHI CHI” is Conrad’s daring interpolation of T.O.K.’s controversial 2000 dancehall classic, “Chi Chi Man.” In its original era, the track became a global dancehall staple, yet it carried a deeply problematic legacy within Caribbean culture due to its explicit lyrical connotations regarding homophobia and anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment. By taking the familiar refrain and restructuring it through his own identity as an openly queer Black artist, Conrad has systematically shifted the power dynamic of the material.
Music critics and cultural publications have been quick to note the profound implications of this sonic reclamation. Reviewing the track, DancehallMag praised “CHI CHI” as "funny, provocative, and proudly unruly," highlighting the paradigm shift by observing that while "the rhythm remains familiar, the power has changed hands." Similarly, The Guardian featured the track prominently on its weekly playlist of the best new music, signaling a critical consensus that Conrad is not merely sampling history, but actively rewriting and healing its narrative fractures. The song culminates in a fiery, symbolic crescendo, with Conrad wielding a flamethrower on screen as the lyrics ring out: "Blaze di fire, mek we bun dem."
The Visual World of ROADRUNNER and “DADAMAN”
The release of “CHI CHI” follows closely behind the rollout of ROADRUNNER’s sultry focus track, “DADAMAN,” which features breakout artist kwn. Also directed by Zev York, the “DADAMAN” visual showcases Conrad stepping into the persona of "Mr. E"—a corporate boss defined by financial success, absolute confidence, and undeniable charisma. Set against the backdrop of an office party featuring some of the finest choreography in modern R&B music videos, the clip also includes a memorable special appearance by singer Justine Skye.
The aesthetic choices across the ROADRUNNER campaign are intentional extensions of the album’s core themes. The project draws heavily from the sights, sounds, and cultural environment of Jamaica, offering an immersive listening experience that explores desire, identity, and personal discovery. Speaking on the creative process behind the album, Conrad noted that the record represents the ultimate expression of the freedom he has cultivated to follow his creative instincts without commercial compromise.
Critical Acclaim and Chart Success
ROADRUNNER has proven to be a commercial and critical triumph since its debut. Upon its release, the project surged to No. 1 on Apple Music’s Reggae chart, cementing Conrad’s ability to transcend genre boundaries seamlessly. Major music publications have praised the multidisciplinary scope of the release. The FADER conducted an in-depth interview with the artist detailing the intricate process of clearing legendary dancehall samples, while Forbes described the album as feeling "both like a homecoming and a new beginning."
Furthermore, industry accolades have steadily accumulated for the young star. Billboard named Destin Conrad its 2026 R&B Rising Star, commending his propensity for treating "R&B as merely a starting point" and highlighting his "inimitable star quality." This recognition follows a historic trajectory for the artist, whose previous bodies of work have similarly disrupted traditional genre categories. His acclaimed project wHIMSY! debuted at No. 1 on Apple Music’s Jazz chart and No. 3 on Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz Albums chart, while his breakthrough project LOVE ON DIGITAL earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Progressive R&B Album, was crowned Billboard’s No. 1 R&B Album of the Year, and surpassed 60 million global streams.
A Sonic Tapestry: Exploring the Tracklist
Across ROADRUNNER, Conrad effortlessly shifts between airy, atmospheric R&B melodies and heavy, syncopated reggae-inflected rhythms. Tracks like “FAVORITE LOVER” offer a lighter touch, supported by a warm bassline and a companion visual shot along the sun-drenched coastal landscapes of Jamaica, capturing intimate vignettes of island life. Meanwhile, “I LOVE YOUR BODY” injects a playful, flirtatious energy into the tracklist, and “NERVOUS”—produced by longtime collaborator Louie Lastic—leans into a hypnotic groove built around a sample of the viral internet phenomenon known as the “Midu Mountain Song.”
Conrad’s collaborative spirit shines throughout the album, which features guest appearances from rising and established talents including kwn, Amanda Reifer, and Stalk Ashley. Rather than leaning on features for commercial validation, Conrad integrates his collaborators as textural elements within a cohesive sonic ecosystem, proving that his collaborative instincts are as sharp as his songwriting abilities.
Live Performances and Global Presence
Conrad’s artistic footprint extends far beyond the recording studio. His dynamic stage presence has earned him slots at some of the world’s most prestigious music festivals and performance spaces. In 2026, his touring and live schedule includes a highly anticipated performance at RNB X Live in Dallas on Sunday, November 1, 2026—Spotify’s flagship standalone R&B concert event.
This performance follows a relentless touring schedule that has included high-profile sets at Billboard R&B Hip-Hop Live at Brooklyn Steel, Broccoli City, Lollapalooza, Outside Lands, and Japan’s legendary Summer Sonic festival. Earlier in the summer, Conrad sold out New York City’s historic Sony Hall for the Blue Note Jazz Festival and delivered a celebrated performance at the Montreal Jazz Festival. These live dates follow his completely sold-out headlining wHIMSY! tour, which included multiple-night runs in major cultural hubs such as Los Angeles and New York City.
In addition to traditional concert venues, Conrad has cultivated an undeniable global presence through intimate, high-impact media performances, including standout sessions for NPR Tiny Desk, COLORS, and BETX Fan Fest.
Industry Co-Signs and Cultural Impact
Destin Conrad’s influence has increasingly bled into fashion, high-end culture, and international songwriting credits. Over the past year, he has collaborated with a diverse roster of global superstars. He co-wrote material for Young Miko’s acclaimed project Do Not Disturb: Late Checkout, earning a Latin GRAMMY nomination for his songwriting contributions. His collaborative catalog also includes features and joint singles with artists such as kwn ("all fours"), Ambré ("Destin’s Interlude"), Kehlani ("BAD BITCHES"), and a memorable appearance in PinkPantheress’s music video for "Romeo."
His cultural cachet was further validated at the 2026 BET Awards, where Conrad earned a nomination for Best New Artist and received a public co-sign from music icon Janet Jackson, shortly after being named BET Amplified’s Artist of the Month in June. Credited by NME as "a key voice in contemporary R&B," Conrad has also transitioned naturally into the fashion and luxury brand spaces, securing partnerships with Dr. Martens, Who Decides War, D’USsé, and NYX Cosmetics, alongside a prominent feature in GQ’s September Music Portfolio.
Editorial coverage across publications such as Billboard, Essence, V Magazine, MTV, Genius, Los Angeles Times, Wonderland, Rolling Stone, VIBE, Gay Times, Notion, Numéro Netherlands, and YAMS Magazine underscores his rapid elevation from underground streaming favorite to bonafide cultural tastemaker.
Broader Implications for Modern R&B and Dancehall
The release of “CHI CHI” and the broader success of ROADRUNNER highlight a significant shift in how contemporary R&B artists interact with regional Caribbean genres. By refusing to treat reggae and dancehall as mere novelty sounds or monolithic summer anthems, Conrad has demonstrated a deep, respectful—yet critically fearless—engagement with the musical foundations of his upbringing.
By taking a track like T.O.K.’s “Chi Chi Man” and repurposing its sonic framework to celebrate queer joy, self-expression, and community identity, Conrad has established a blueprint for how legacy music can be constructively re-contextualized for modern audiences. As ROADRUNNER continues to dominate charts and critical roundups alike, Destin Conrad stands as an artist who views R&B, jazz, reggae, and dancehall not as separate stylistic categories, but as chapters of the same ongoing conversation—one driven entirely by intuition, authenticity, and uncompromising artistic freedom.
