Up-and-comer Starshell released a video for her single “My Star”, co-written with R&B superstar Ne-Yo. The song was written after teaming up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in honor of her sister Starchelle, which the singer adopted as her professional name, who took her own life.
“Every 13 minutes someone takes their own life” the screen reads. “#stopthesilence,” it reads on, “In loving memory of my sister, Starchelle Nyree Menzies, ‘My Star’.” Old pictures of two young girls flash in front of the camera, and the emotionally charged lyrics "Had to fall,so I could get up/ Had to die, to be reborn/ Had to win, to find my new beginning/ I know the way now" begin with just a simple piano in the background. The video goes on similarly with Starshell performing the song in various dimly lit scenes.
The song itself definitely stands out as a solid R&B ballad, with ethereal vocals and orchestrated melodies, setting the heartfelt and emotional music.
Although Starshell may not be a household name, she has co-penned some notable songs including Kanye West’s hit “Love Lockdown”, “I Can See in Color,” featured in the movie Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire, and “Closer” for her mentor Mary J. Blige.