Michael Jackson’s enduring legacy as the King of Pop is evident once more. Offset, the Grammy-nominated rapper, taps into Jackson’s legendary style and meshes it with contemporary influencer, Kai Cenat’s, antics in his music video for “Fan.” It’s a visual tapestry showcasing Offset’s knack for storytelling, dance ablity, and innovative thinking.
The video opens with a vivid reenactment of a chaotic scene reminiscent of Cenat’s Manhattan incident on August 4, which escalated into a disruptive riot. This event saw Cenat detained by the NYPD. Notably, Cenat himself made a brief appearance in the music video, having previously been teased in a promo on Offset’s Instagram.
Yet, it’s Jackson’s “Thriller” that takes center stage in the video’s narrative. Offset, accompanied by actress Paige Hurd from “Powerbook II,” portrays a tale where a breakup leads Offset to morph into a werewolf. This supernatural scene is later revealed as a film the couple is watching. But, upon leaving the cinema, art imitates life when Offset transforms into a zombie, echoing Jackson’s iconic move.
Jackson’s influence pervades the video. A wide-angle shot reveals Offset amidst the riot backdrop, donning Jackson’s signature rhinestone-studded white glove. Jackson’s “Off the Wall” vinyl is spotted in a bedroom scene. Furthermore, the video’s latter part channels “Smooth Criminal” vibes with Offset, in a crisp white suit, displaying dance moves that include a reinterpretation of the classic Moonwalk.
“Fan” is one of the tracks from Offset’s upcoming album, “Set It Off,” set to release on October 13.