“Behind every mask, there is a story…”
NYC-based Pop Artist, Chris Todisco just released his first ever Visual for his Cover of the raunchy smash “How Many Licks?” (originally performed by Lil’ Kim and Sisqo). Staying true to the original hook and production by Sean Combs (Diddy) and Mario Winans, Todisco breathes a new life into the hit 2000’s song. This marks Chris Todisco’s 3rd release, which follows his Covers of “Gimme More” made famous by Britney Spears and “Money In The Grave” made famous by Drake and Rick Ross (which were released exclusively on his SoundCloud last year). The Visual, which is inspired by The Twin Flame Journey, features over 5 minutes of footage, welcoming the viewer into Todisco’s world.
Topped with a high fashion Dollhouse aesthetic, things kick off with a powerful quote about Twin Flames, immediately giving the impression that this is going to be a full sensory experience. Followed by close ups of a model holding a disco ball, Todisco slowly traces their tattoo which is a universal symbol, meant to symbolize how everything is connected. The viewer then sees Todisco removing his coat, only to be seen wearing a revealing diamond bodysuit before things really begin. The models, who are all shirtless and different ethnicities, can be seen wearing masks very reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick’s hit film, Eyes Wide Shut.
Sonically, the track begins with an audio clip from a Psychic Reading Todisco got detailing how his Twin Flame sees him before the beat kicks in. Whispering his name “Todisco” in a sultry manner, followed by a kitten-eqsue growl, the listener immediately gets the impression that this is going to be a track that embodies sexuality and confidence, which is Todisco’s goal with everything he creates. Lyrics like (“I am a King/I am a Queen/Iced out in bling/Damn right I’m everything”) perfectly detail both the femininity and masculinity Todisco embodies. The Breakdown, which is a highlight of the track, features pitched down vocals where Todisco appears to be almost taunting his love interest and demanding an apology (which is perfectly encapsulated in the scene where he slithers on the bed surrounded by the models). The final Verse is so fiery and sassy, it almost feels like Todisco is telling you off in the best way possible. Flexing about being a 2nd Degree Black Belt (“I’m Latino so I am spicy/And a Black Belt so I am fiesty”) and a real jaw dropping moment (the Cristiano Ronaldo Lyric-Todisco’s celebrity crush). The Final Chorus perfectly brings this vision to life as it alligns with a scene where Todisco is straddling one of the models while ripping off their mask. The mask can be seen dropping slowly to the ground as it perfectly lands right in front of a bird cage (giving the viewer the impression that Todisco got his love interest to “take off the mask” and committ).
It’s clear that Chris Todisco’s musical abilities reach far beyond labelling him in one singular category. It also comes as no suprise that Todisco’s greatest inspiration is the Queen of Pop herself, Britney Spears. He considers himself a feminist and even states, “we live in a world where men and women are still after all these years, not treated the same. Women are expected to always be so perfect and just “sit still and look pretty” whereas men are not held to the same expectations. I grew up resonating with Britney Spears out of everyone because I view her as a true fighter and an Artist who always delivers top notch content. Someone who keeps going no matter what life throws her way and that’s exactly how I want to be”. He also says Ricky Martin and his good friend (Club Kid Icon/Fashion Designer) Richie Rich are Gay Artists he looks up to.
Chris Todisco is currently working on his first full-length project of original music slated for an early 2022 release which will surely take the pop culture world by storm.