VIDEO: RYAN LESLIE - “DIAMOND GIRL”
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Ryan Leslie, (who was responsible for discovering and producing Cassie’s debut album) has released the new video for his single, “Diamond Girl” on BET.
The single hit radio hard within the past couple of weeks and his self-titled debut album is set to hit stores June 17th.








97 Comments
1.
MeeYow
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
It’s hot…I like it.
2.
MyMy
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Hotttttnessss!
3.
K.A.H.A.B.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
THIS IS MY SHIT! RYAN LESLIE IS DOPE!
4.
superduper50000000000
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
THIS SONG MAKES ME HAPPY !!! so Happy that I commented on it first, and I have yet to see the Video Post…lol, the song is so infectious, u just have to let Others know ASAP-it has dat kind of AFFECT.
PEACE N LOVE,
*RiA*
5.
Xpert2007
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
It’s different…I like it…
6.
leek
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I like this song alot, although i’m partial to the remix featuring kanye west. The video is cute, nothing special though.
7.
Leesa~Lisa
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
After hearing G-Units version of this song, I like thiers better…..But the beat is hott.
8.
choclatekissez
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I love this song and I actually like this video I don’t know what I was expecting.
9.
Bella Baby
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I’m Sorry.. I just don’t like it. And this dude has no rhythm what-so-ever. Maybe if someone else sung it? And Plus this dude reminds me of Gregory Hinds.
Go Tigers!!!!
10.
superduper50000000000
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
oKAY NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN THE VIDEO–WITHOUT DANCIN ALL CRAAZY around MY ROOM–the video is kool, just wished it had more scene shots. Other than Dat, SONG IS Crazzy……”so me how im edible”ooooooh wee.
11.
OH YES I DID!
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I’m surprised he didn’t make his own song using his lame little keyboard like he does for all of Cassie’s songs and ruins them, she needs to find a better producer. SMH
12.
2blessed2bestressed
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
wow i honestly 4got about him
13.
OH YES I DID!
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Is there a subliminal message in this? The asian girl looks like CASSIE and he’s calling her his DIAMONG GIRL!
Weird
14.
OH YES I DID!
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
my bad DIAMOND*
15.
?
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
WISH I COULD HEAR IT! MY CELL PHONE ONLY DOES SO MUCH! WHAT SONG IF ANY DOES IT REMIND U OF?
16.
SPARKLE OF THA HOT SEAT
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I love this song. I didn’t know who sang it. I thought 50 was in the song. I guess it’s a remix.
17.
Ty
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
He’s wack as am artist, but the song is hot!!!! Thanks to good production, hell he even made Cassie believeable!! -)
18.
cococola72284
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
OK i absolutely love this song! But dude cannot dance! No rhythm what so ever! Bless his heart! At least he tried to do a lil two step! A mean two step at that
19.
plprz
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
what a nerd. after seeing this retarded azz video, i no longer like the song.
20.
Tiffy
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I like the song but video was just okay the dancing was a lil’ crazy the girl looks a lil’ like Mercedes from ANTM cycle 2
21.
solizzay
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
i like it. i think hes the most adorable nerd ever! i love his music, i think hes a very talented writer and producer.. I never knew how talented he was until i started watching his youtube videos .. oh yeah & i like his crazy dancing. It works for the video. i
22.
sharde
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
hot video………………….luv it
23.
DESTINY
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I really love this song! Ryan Leslie makes good music. The video wasn’t bad - I was kind of expecting more since the song is sooo hot, but it’s aight.
24.
NuAgenda77
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Cool song and video! I like the synth, reminds me of THE TIME.
25.
queenie
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I looooove this song! The vid was ok…but the song it fire.
26.
TRAILBLAZER
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Oh so that’s who sing this song….I like it. I’m feeling the beat and the lyrics and the video. The video had a simplistic 90’s feel to it. It was refreshing. He reminds me of Joe Budden. LOL. But that’s besides the point..
27.
Ummm
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I like the song but what the in the hell is with this stupid ass video? I mean seriously he could have made it a little more interesting. Smh i’ll never get those minutes of my life back.
28.
Ali
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
lol the song is crzy but yeah im not feelin the video either lolz, but i dun care for it since i jus listen to mp3 more then half the time
29.
OMON IMO
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Finally, a resurrection of Hip Hop is on the way. Not that the guy is all good but at least this song kinda gives me hope that Hip Hop will come back strong as it was in the past.
30.
MosD
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
It’s RnB btw, lmfao some ladies so shallow, why would u judge him cuz he acts/looks geeky whatever the case for u, the brotha got talent no doubt, I seen some of his youtube works..
31.
li
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
the song is hot, this is what we need in the industry, but i can do without the video, sorry but just like we need a new fleet of musicians in the industry, we need a new fleet of videographers and creative art directors…..too cause the video is disturbing!
32.
Flygirl
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Not sure about the song but the girl in the video does not look like Mercedes she was a shade darker more noticeable features such as nose and lips. The girl in the video just look like a latina.
33.
tim
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
50 made this record hot.
34.
nat
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
luv the song AND the video. coulda took the easy way out and put a bunch of chicks in bikinis dancin around naked. He went old school wtih the backup dancers and perofromance. thank goodness
35.
Mutada al sader
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Ryan is THAT dude. Graduated from Harvard… took a chick who couldn’t sing and made a hit . Started his own label and started or at least advanced the whole Youtube/Myspace media 2.0 hip hip swag.. And his little keyboard is not lame he has his own sound..which is better than the best BMC, Timbo clone producers out there. This smokes the 50 version and his voice is original.. Who does he sound like ?? NO ONE.. Plus his rap was actually good instead of lame like most R&B slash rappers like. He’s got a little Diddy in his style, but I’d rather our kids see the college graduate, nerd , buisnessman swag . That another thug singer with cornrows talking about “shawtys”..
36.
D-Lasha
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I don’t like this song
37.
Beyonnette
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
HE LOOKS AND ACTS LIKE PDIDDY!!! ILGGG
38.
Giggles
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
If I had never heard of him (which many people havent) and I saw the video and heard the song I wouldnt give his music the time of day. The song is average, the video is weak but he is able to make great beats and songs for cassie but not himself..hmmm
39.
R-Les Fan
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
FROM RYAN LESLIE’S MYSPACE BULLETIN
About the Diamond Girl Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwkYYL28koI
This the edit of the video that premiered on BET’s 106 & Park on Friday, April 4th. Since it’s my channel, I added some sound design to the version that aired.
As I posted in my previous video, I had a huge vision for this video to feel like a live television performance that gave tribute to a James Brown piece I saw on the Ed Sullivan show.
I saved up my money and had the EXACT same stage built that James performed on. I then hired a band to cut the live version. After that, I worked with everyone on the stage to have that throwback vibe. I paid to shoot the performance on a blue screen with the intention of having the set of the Ed Sullivan show digitally recreated behind me. My label disagreed.
They felt that the live version felt too much like a remix.
They also felt that we needed to rush on the video so the final edit came back without the digital stage - just changed the blue to black and added some lights, and cutaway graphics of diamonds.
My original treatment called for the video to be set in the late 60’s just like James Brown’s performance. I wanted to have families huddled around the television watching this performance like they used to back then.
When I got to LA to shoot, the entire set was modern and a piece of me died. My vision was compromised. Rather than be an ungrateful artist, I stayed and gave my best performance.
The video that’s airing is really only a partial representation of my artistic vision.
Here are a few of the audio edits I’ve made that are featured in the vid that you’re seeing:
* First, I had someone come to the studio and say the following dialogue in French:
“Ryan. Wait for me. I’m not even ready! I can’t believe you’re gonna leave me here…You’re driving me crazy - I can’t do this anymore. Ryan - if you leave - we’re finished! YOU SPENT $3000 ON A DRESS - don’t you wanna see me in it?? Oh..ok - fine… GO! Amuse yourself with the girls at your show!! And if you think I’ll be here when you get back - THINK AGAIN!!”
* Second, I convinced Evan to do the voice-over of my manager.
* Third, I re-cut my dialogue from the beginning and added the sound of running water to enhance the vibe of our bathroom conversation.
* Fourth, I added the sound of the door opening before the video starts.
* Added a few horn stabs to parts of the performance when I’m gesturing to the band to “hit me”.
* Put some applause at the end of the performance scene.
* Added the sound of screaming girls, running feet, more screaming girls and the car door closing.
The lesson I learned here is that when you have a strong creative vision - do everything in your power to see it through. I am very thankful that I have a video on TV. Many artists are still striving for that milestone. Regardless, this experience encouraged me to shoot another video as well as an 11 minute short film based on “Diamond Girl”.
I will not stop.
R
40.
FRANCAISE
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
looooooooooooool
the beggining was pretty funny
the woman was speaking french lol
41.
!!!
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
his video should of been like his teaser shown here
http://www.youtube.com/wa...sdbTgZSE&feature=user
42.
I.N.T.O.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
This song has an old school feeling to it. So I was drawn to it immediately. I liked it alot.
43.
Nee-Nee
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I guess im the only onw who doesn’t like the song. I gave it a chance,but i couldn’t get into it
44.
Nee-Nee
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
edit
only one
45.
Becca the Promo Mami
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Hot song.
great CONCEPT for the video…. but he moves around like a lil action figure of something. he’s so awkward.
I don’t know how I feel about this……….. If he wasn’t so robotic, maybe the execution would have come off as more flawless…..
still good though.
46.
as seen on t.v.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
someone stated that he has his own original sound…not true…i like this song and the vid was cool but he sounds a lot like raheem devaughn and also bilal…and he looks like david blaine the magician…
47.
Nikita
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I LOVE Anything He Produces! I just love him! I will be getting this album!
48.
shaunmed
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I agree with #41, The teaser was more exciting than this video. I love the song. I also prefer his homemade studio clips on youtube. At least it shows us the real talented him and not some corny scripted person like this BET video.
49.
im preggers
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
the beat is so hot!! but I don’t think Ryan Leslie is attractive aka eye candy. I think he could use a few dancing lessons. I don’t what the heck kind of jerking around he is doing in the video. He needs to be more smooth.
I love the song..I just wish he was cute
50.
im preggers
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
also, I respect the fact the he is Harvard educated. Brothers need to take note.
51.
UM...I GUESS
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
i think hes very very VERY talented, but im just not feelin this one…
52.
Kami
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
WIGADY WACK WACK!!!
Being on the frontline is not for this dude. Every person who writes and produces is not made to entertain..When will they ever learn…GEE GOW!!!
53.
Crimson Twilight
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I really like the song, the video is pretty neat nothing overall special though, but R-Les is a really talented man, too bad hes so cocky and knows it if you see his videos on youtube. Netherless like I said, hes very multitalented.
54.
Millionaire_Daze
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Dat beat is NICE love dat !
55.
Flygirl
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
someone stated that he has his own original sound…not true…i like this song and the vid was cool but he sounds a lot like raheem devaughn and also bilal…and he looks like david blaine the magician…
I thought the same thing too..
56.
Ryan
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
hot shit love ot dog
57.
CB
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Love the song but the video is like Booooooooooooooooo.
58.
blackisbeautiful
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Don’t take Ryan Leslie too serious because he is goofball lol. Never been a huge fan of his but I respect him because he is a sweetheart and his youtube videos are funny but corny lol.
59.
Bell
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
i like the song, i don’t like the video though
60.
clarkthink
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
The song is hott……I like the video, it’s different…..Only one lil problem.
This Negroe has no rhythm……he can’t dance
61.
SUPERCENT
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Love the song. The reason why they rushed is because 50cent remixed with Bottom Girl. I wished he would’ve came out with this before him cause now when I listed to his song I hear GUNIT dumb asses. LOL! But I like the video too.
62.
Lady Architect
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I love this song. It really makes me wanna dance with a type of jazz feel without 10million curses ruining it.
63.
LaSabre84
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Well I want to break the ice, This song sucks, so bad it is like every other R&B song out, same producers, same beat damn near, Lack of emotion! Just a waste of the artist time, and money!
64.
Hollidizzle
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
It was simple but HOT!! proof that you dont need videHO’s to have a good Video….kudos to you Ryan….keep the hits comming!
65.
Sharonda
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I love this song.Ryan is a little cutie!Smart too!!!I don’t hear Bilal or Raheem Devaughn in him, huh???LOL
66.
Kenyana
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
UHm ok. let me start off by first saying that I love the song I havent heard of him until this song hit the radio. I believe he produced Cassie songs which I believe she should have stick to what shes good at. But anyways though, I agree with some people on here where theres a subliminal message in here. Am trying so hard not to make this about black/ white but I dont understand why there was/had to be a asian girl there at the end.And With him being a NERD lol. I mean hes cute in all.
The video was nice I like the James Brown throw back version uhm I felt though there could have been more scenes then that with him the dancing was crazy, and fun to watch. Overall for him to acomplish something that he wanted to do for a long time much respect and more power to him.
You guys can comment and let him know what you think personally about the video and give the advice and what not on his youtube channel which is located here
http://youtube.com/watch?v=RwkYYL28koI and like he tells you about the vid n whatnot under ABOUT THIS VIDEO. peace and have a great week yall.
67.
frenchgril
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
loooooooooolll , hey she speaks french , its funny , the song is too bad!!!!!
68.
Toi
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
He reminds me of a mix between Puffy and Bentley Fonsworth
69.
Mike J.
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Shout out to my man Ryan Leslie.. Definitely continue to keep an eye out on this brotha, a much anticipated album coming soon and I must admit, the song is DOPE!!
70.
Marquette
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I have been hearing this song on the radio for weeks now …tell me am I the only person who thought this was Musiq singing this? I swear Kanye is rapping in this song not him on the radio too…I don’t know if he was going for the retarded can’t dance look in the video but he sure got it…smh @ his “moves”
71.
a.k.a. new yorker
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
all the things i found to be wrong or just interesting:
1. yeah i think he wants cassie or is w/her b/c of the asian girl in the vid
2. he’s ugly
3. he can’t dance
4. his voice is ok but not unique at all. i’ve heard too many ppl sing like that
5. i guess the beat is ok but it’s not my thing. i haven’t been listening to much r&b lately. it just sounds boring nowadays. hip hop too. too much recycling. i wish there was a male version of erykah badu btw. if there is one, let me know.
6. i thought the concept was cute but the ending was boring
7. i respect that he’s an ivy man and he’s talented (not my type of talented but he is)
72.
Phil-Up
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Its different…I’m not saying its the bomb but at least it wasn’t another club video! I’d still buy his album because it seems like it would be something nice to bump in the ride.
73.
lmao by Christiana
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Yo this video is hot- it has Ray Charles written all over it lol I love he did Diddy’s dance from the back that was sick- oh and the GUNIT version is FIREEEEEEEEEEEE!!!
74.
LDYK
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
LOL@ 9, 19….
Am I the only one who thinks this ISN’T a good song? I just think that he talks melodically to the beat. I don’t thik that’s called singing is it? If so I am gonna put out an LP… He is definately talented but some ppl. should stay behind the scenes like him.
OK OK we get it you have a thing for Cassie or models…Cassie is getting her swerve on with DICKIE oops I mean DIDDY. She has to ensure her no singing career.
It’s a catchy tune,but I need to hear more of his work to be impressed or even intertested in the follow-up song/single.
Sorry guys…just telling it like it is.
75.
LDYK
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
p.s.
I watched the video in it’s entirety….C O R N Y!
unimpressed?
76.
Angelita
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
Love the song but felt there was something missing in the video.
77.
Vida
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I like the song but I agree with what someone previously said, can someone else sing this please? I think it would have been better.
78.
DLW
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
WOW! That was hot. He has the vocals of Dwele and Bilal (at the end of the song), but he’s got the swagger of Kanye or Farnsworth. It’s a good combo. I look forward to hearing more from him.
79.
Tonya
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
I see he is repping Ivy grads proudly. John Legend better watch out.
80.
ms. mimi
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
yesss! i’m definitely a big fan, it’s about time he gets some recognition!!
81.
bAdEStMOfOonHerE
Sunday, April 6, 2008 /
i saugh his bitch azz on this on wed site top secret act’n like a lil bitch put’n down woman and being ingnorant i knew it was him when i saugh that junkies face lame asz music frm a lame azz dude srry 4 him he thoght he was the Ishh not
82.
The Braiding Artist
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
OK… so the song is cool. I’ve been listening to it for a while now. I enjoyed the video as well. But doesn’t Ryan Leslie kind of remind you of a light skinned version of Diddy?
83.
Dani
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
HAHAHAHAHAHA
You guys are just killing him. Gosh he’s not that bad. I didn’t think he looked like that, cos they been playing this song in London on Choice FM for months, but it has Kanye West on it, so I was waiting to see Mr West.
I like the song.
84.
ChokLitFactory
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
The song is kind of hot. His dancing is WAY off tho, it was a little disturbing to watch. Is this supposed to be his lovesong to Cassie? Of course the videogirl is BadBoy standard - white as hell! lol
85.
TEMPTATION
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
I like the song the video is good and he has some slick moves damn…lol
86.
Ms. Y
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
its cool…i dont know why but his voice “slightly” reminded me of John Legend with all them ‘aww yeahs’ in the beginning…
87.
lila
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
it’s in french!!! my language!
‘im french!
cool!
lol
love this song i listen this song the firt time it was 3 month ago!
88.
Mr. City Knights Inc
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
Love the song. But not the look of the video I imagined.
89.
Mary
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
Mmmm, it is said he is dating online now. I saw him on millionaire&celeb dating site “SeekingRich.com”
last week. Good luck to his search.
90.
boomby .
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
every1 are haters! i love this song ! and ryan is doin his thing! he always gets shoutouts in songs if you ever noticed and hes just hott! so who cares if her cant dance .. WHO CARES! neither can rihanna but yalll still be on her ballssss
91.
backingbarack
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
its all about his gay ass. there are no females except in the end. he should have had females as his background dancers not dudes.
this video and song is def about cassie. the model on their is asian and ryan bought cassie diamonds in the beginning of his relationship with her. he is sprung but she is just using him for tracks.
92.
noelle
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
OMG WHENI HEARSD THIS SONG. U NO AT THE END HE LIKE i know U WANNA HEAR IT AGAIN. I WA SLIKE ..YES….! LOL
93.
CORNY
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
What is this?
Is this guy clinically retarded?
Folks, this is what the Ivy League does to “black” people.
94.
blkpoetx
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
This Dude is very talented, with a high IQ, i think he’s the the new Sean John, Puffy, P.Diddy,Diddy
95.
LaLaShawny
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
Ok I been a fan of this dude since like forever LOL! Naw but I been a fan from youtube and for some reason when he is creating the songs it be better than the actual song. But he is a great producer and I wouldnt mind him making me a beat you know. Hey R. Les im waiting baby holla at me lol!
96.
LaLaShawny
Monday, April 7, 2008 /
Check me out http://www.youtube.com/lalashawny. Leave a comment!
97.
Mika Muyo
Wednesday, April 9, 2008 /
dope beat, dope production, don’t know how much i’m feeling the song…thought this was going to be another cut