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Kelly Glow’s “Black Girl Magic (DJ Nervex Remix)” Is a Revival With a Message That Hits Hard

  • Writer: Robyn Ronnie
    Robyn Ronnie
  • Aug 6
  • 5 min read
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Kelly Glow is not here to whisper. She kicks the door down with “Black Girl Magic (DJ Nervex Remix),” a track that crackles with classic boom bap flavor and radiates with raw intention. It’s not just a song. It’s a full-on celebration of resilience, legacy, and the kind of glow that can’t be dimmed.


The remix sounds like it was always meant to be. DJ Nervex’s beat hits hard with a throwback bounce that instantly transports you to Hip Hop’s golden era. Think vintage West Coast, but updated with just enough polish to feel fresh. It’s the perfect canvas for Glow’s voice, clear, confident, and packed with conviction.


In verse one, Glow flexes her lyrical muscle with braggadocious bars and an undeniable presence. She’s not begging for validation. She knows who she is. Then the second verse pivots with power, paying tribute to Black women who paved the way and calling on the next generation to step into their light. There’s depth in every line and no wasted breath.


The video, directed by Will Thomas, brings the message to life with high energy and hometown pride. Set in the streets of LA, it’s drenched in nostalgia—classic cars, neon lights, and nonstop movement. But it’s the dancers who steal the show. Glow doesn’t push them to the background. She lifts them up. Each one gets a moment to shine, repping styles from popping to breaking to krumping. It’s not just a music video. It’s a visual love letter to Hip Hop culture in all its forms.


Glow is doing more than making music. She’s setting a new standard. At 49, she’s proving that artistry doesn’t have an expiration date and that the real magic comes from authenticity. No gimmicks. No apologies.


“Black Girl Magic” is fierce, celebratory, and rooted in truth. It honors where Hip Hop came from and plants a flag for where it’s going next. And with Kelly Glow at the helm, the future looks brighter than ever.



How did the collaboration with DJ Nervex come together for this remix?


Working with DJ Nervex was a match made in heaven. When Nervex heard the original track to Black Girl Magi, he was drawn to my flow. He matched my vocals to his track, and the rest is history. It’s amazing how well my vocals vibe with the music. It’s like it was meant to be. I’ve always wanted to work with a true, authentic hip-hop DJ, and I was so excited when he shared the mix with me. It was love at first sight.


What message were you most excited to amplify in the second verse?


The second verse has several gems, but my favorite part is paying homage to some powerful Black women. I say “what they said she couldn’t do, she up and did it better, did it anyway when they wouldn’t even let her/ Bey bought her masters, Serena hit them slams/ Oprah had a channel/ Kamala had a plan/ Halle got an Oscar/ Misty been on point/ Simone changed the game but they will still exploit/ the god-given beauty of a melanated princess/ but we never stop or cease giving them the business.” 

To me, Beyoncé, Serena Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Kamala Harris, Halle Berry, Misty Copeland, and Simone Biles each represent excellence, resilience, and the unstoppable force of Black womanhood. They are the epitome of “Black Girl Magic”. Not only am I honoring them through these lyrics, but I’m also encouraging others to uplift the names and legacies of women who remind us of our greatness.


Why was it important to highlight different street dance styles in the video? 


Although the essence, the synergy, and the vibe of hip-hop culture are universal, the styles are regional. Each city has its own style of dress, its own sound, its language, and its own vibe. I grew up in South Central Los Angeles and later moved to the Atlanta metro area. As a result, my music organically fuses West Coast sounds with East Coast flair. It was important for me to showcase a variety of dance styles in this video because the song is called “Black Girl Magic”, and I want young girls and women to see a representation of themselves in the video, no matter what region of the country they live in or what type of dance they prefer. I think each style is equally magical. 


We have four amazing women, each representing a different style of hip-hop dance in this video. VV$ represents Memphis Jooking styles. 2Foot is a B-girl, so you see her breaking.  Lady Krow is a Popper and a Krumper. Brea specializes in Clown Dancing and Whacking. Typically, you will see them at Red Bull Dance Your Style Competitions battling within their respective dance categories and styles. These women are phenomenal dancers and truly display “Black Girl Magic”. I’m honored to have them in the video.


What inspired the visual direction and LA setting for the music video?


I love 3 things: whips, kicks, and outfits. If you watch my catalog of videos, you will notice that I usually have a really nice car in the video, some really cool sneakers on my feet, and a unique outfit. That’s my style. So, aligning with the nostalgic 90s West Coast Boombap vibes on this track, I knew we had to have a dope old school whip in the video. A deeper subtext is the way strong women can take a dismal situation and turn it around. The Southside Complete Autobody Shop in Riverdale, Georgia, was the perfect setting for some “Black Girl Magic” to happen. 


I serve as my own stylist. I knew I was going to wear an LA Dodgers hat in the first scene because the very first line in the song says “Ervin Johnson, I’m from L.A. Magic”. Southside Complete has an entire fleet of blue cars. Director Will Thomas chose to highlight the 1971 Convertible Chevy Chevelle SS with the shiny 24 Forgiato rims. The custom candy blue paint was done by Southside Complete Auto. The owners of the shop are a husband and wife team and good friends. Nicole and I used to dance in a hip-hop crew together in high school. Ironically enough, her husband is from San Jose, California, and she is from Newark, New Jersey. There’s a cool West Coast, East Coast connection happening very similar to my upbringing. I feel like it was all aligned.


As an artist and educator, what advice do you have for women who feel pressured to shrink themselves in the industry?


We are well into the new Millennium. So, we are no longer forced to take archaic pathways towards success. The onset of technology has opened new ways for people to record, produce, and distribute their art. As an independent artist, you can maintain creative control, shape the narrative, and retain authenticity. You need to believe in yourself enough to remain true to who you are. Unfortunately, most people are seeking fame and fortune and they are rushing to get there. So, they end up signing horrible deals and being forced to relinquish parts of themselves in the process. I would suggest that you take time for self-care and self-love. Go to trade school or college and learn everything you can about business and the music industry while still perfecting your craft. The goal should be longevity and sustainability. You are magical and unique and people will recognize your gifts and talents as long as you remain true to yourself.

 
 
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