BLACKSTARKIDS’ “SOULMATEZ!”: A Sonic Rebellion Wrapped in Nostalgia

BLACKSTARKIDS’ “SOULMATEZ!” is a neon-hued love letter to a chaotic world where nostalgia and modern angst collide.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of youth culture, BLACKSTARKIDS stand out as both provocateurs and curators. Their latest single, “SOULMATEZ!,” is more than just a catchy track; it’s a manifesto, a collision of sound and vision that captures the restless energy of a generation refusing to be defined by outdated norms. If you’re familiar with the trio’s previous work, you know that genre boundaries are meaningless to them—they’re more interested in creating a mood, a vibe, a whole world where the chaos of youth is both celebrated and dissected.

“Soulmatez!” is an anthemic ode to the euphoric highs and tumultuous lows of finding that one person who just gets you, but it’s also layered with an underlying sense of disillusionment. The track blends the nostalgic innocence of early 2000s pop-punk with the gritty edge of modern-day hip-hop, creating a sound that feels simultaneously retro and futuristic. This is BLACKSTARKIDS at their most confident—unafraid to mix glossy, sugar-coated melodies with biting, introspective lyrics that delve into the complexities of love and friendship in a world that’s constantly shifting beneath our feet.

The accompanying music video is as much a statement as the song itself. Shot in what feels like a neon-soaked fever dream, it draws on the aesthetics of early MTV but subverts them in ways that feel fresh and relevant. There’s a sense of chaotic joy throughout, but it’s tinged with a bittersweet awareness that nothing lasts forever—not relationships, not youth, not even the very feelings that the song celebrates. Yet, this impermanence is embraced rather than mourned. In the world of BLACKSTARKIDS, everything is fleeting, but that’s exactly what makes it worth celebrating.

Visually, the video is a pastiche of late-90s and early-2000s culture, but it’s done with a knowing wink. There’s a sense that BLACKSTARKIDS are in on the joke—they understand the irony of glorifying a past they never fully experienced, yet they do so with such authenticity that it feels genuine. The use of VHS filters, grainy footage, and exaggerated color schemes isn’t just for nostalgia’s sake; it’s a deliberate choice to evoke a time when music videos felt like mini-movies, offering a brief escape from reality. But unlike those older videos, “SOULMATEZ!” doesn’t shy away from the messiness of real life. The video is filled with moments of spontaneity and imperfection, reminding us that life, much like love, is beautiful in its chaos.

What makes BLACKSTARKIDS truly compelling is their refusal to be pigeonholed. While “SOULMATEZ!” could easily be classified as a pop track, it’s so much more than that. It’s a reflection of a generation that has grown up with the world at their fingertips, yet often feels more disconnected than ever. The song’s lyrics tap into the universal search for connection in an increasingly digital world, where the lines between online and offline life are constantly blurring. There’s an inherent tension in this—a push and pull between the desire for authentic relationships and the fear of vulnerability in a world that often feels superficial.

Listening to “SOULMATEZ!” feels like scrolling through an endless feed of memes, TikToks, and tweets, each one offering a momentary hit of dopamine before quickly being replaced by the next. It’s addictive, it’s overwhelming, and yet, it’s the reality for many. BLACKSTARKIDS capture this sensation perfectly, creating a song that’s as much about the thrill of falling in love as it is about the anxiety of losing it.

As we look ahead to their upcoming album, Saturn Dayz, “SOULMATEZ!” serves as a tantalizing glimpse into what’s to come. If this track is any indication, BLACKSTARKIDS are set to continue pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and creating music that’s as thought-provoking as it is danceable. They’re not just making songs—they’re crafting soundtracks for the lives of those who refuse to be defined by anything other than their own terms.

In a landscape where so much music feels disposable, BLACKSTARKIDS offer something real, something that resonates long after the final note has faded. “SOULMATEZ!” is a celebration of love, youth, and all the chaos that comes with it, but it’s also a reminder that even in the messiness, there’s beauty to be found. And in the hands of BLACKSTARKIDS, that beauty is undeniable.