The year was 2012 — #StopKony was going viral, The Hunger Games premiered — which started the whole #TeamPeeta or #TeamGale debate — and everyone weirdly thought that the world was going to end.
But the most important cultural event we need to remember from that year? Justin Bieber dropping the iconic bop that is "Beauty And A Beat."
Now, back in those days, I wouldn't classify myself as a ~Belieber~. I was just a humble 16-year-old that was trying to, you know, get through high school.
But when this song dropped, I kid you not...I was onto that good shit. It was catchy, it had easy-to-sing lyrics and it had summer vibes written all over it.
Keep in mind that I'm an Australian and our summer is from December–February.
Speaking of the lyrics, we have to talk about the sheer ARTISTRY of Nicki Minaj's verse.
You know the lines I'm talking about — "Justin Bieber / You know I'mma hit 'em with the ether / Buns out, weiner / But I gotta keep an eye out for Selener."
Which, at the time, blew my teenage mind. Especially that reference to "Selener."
me in 2012 keeping an eye out for Selener
It was the HEIGHT of drama back then — and the teacup continued to spilleth because Justin and Selena broke up later that year. 👀
Now let's talk about the video clip for this song, which, honestly, is in a league of its own.
Did this win awards??? It better have.
To set the scene, it starts off with some behind-the-scenes footage that was apparently "stolen" and "illegally uploaded" by an anonymous blogger.
You can bet that my dumbass believed this, even though it turned out to be a viral stunt. But hey, it was genius because it hyped out the video release big time.
Then Justin — aka the internet's collective boyfriend at the time — appears in an outfit that made my teen self froth SO hard.
That green jacket paired with the singlet top and perfectly tousled hair = heaven to my teen heart.
Plus, the POV angle of Justin holding the camera made it feel like he was singing to me, and only me.
Yes, yes, yes. He is serenading only me, not the millions of other fans he has, even though he has no idea who I am. Makes sense to me!
Then it pans out, showing the pool party of everyone's dreams that he still, as of yet, has not invited me to.
Okay, but seriously — you're lying if you saw this and didn't say, "Damn, I wish I could experience that IRL".
There's dancing, stunts and then MORE dancing — but this time it's in the water, so everything looks a little sexier and thirst-inducing.
Let's not forget about that underwater footage — which was DEFINITELY ahead of its time.
And then the outfit change where everything — including our boy, Justin — is wet.
I very much approve of this outfit change and those long-ass necklaces that everyone loved a couple years back.
Although, my favourite part is when Justin is backing up, with all the dancers gracefully falling off into the pool, and does this cheeky little laugh and smile.
MY TEEN HEART!!!! 💖 He is having so much fun filming this.
Like look at this little bean — was he not ADORABLE in this music video?!?!
The answer is yes, and even if you disagree, I do not care.
And look, I'm not the only one that thinks this. It's a new decade, but the iconic bops of the 2010s — namely "Beauty And Beat" — are having a REVIVAL.
To quote Isit Ybyb, "When Nicki said 'Better keep an eye out for Selener', 8-year-old me was shook."
Anyway, in conclusion: This song was, and still is, a certified banger that should never, ever be forgotten.
And here is the music video in its entire excellence for you to enjoy.
View this video on YouTube
You're welcome.
