DJ Khaled, Cardi B and Desi Trill launch Higher Love video, previewing new Smurfs film and global music collaboration

The official music video for Higher Love, featuring global icons such as DJ Khaled, Cardi B, alongside artists Natania and Subhi, premiered yesterday in London. This release marks the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming Paramount Animation film, Smurfs, distributed by Roc Nation. The video provides a glimpse of the anticipated movie, which is part of a new cinematic rendition of the beloved Smurfs franchise.

Directed by Maya Table and edited by Mikey Rare, with Claudia Rivas as the producer, the music video was simultaneously broadcast globally on various channels, including NickMusic, MTV Live, MTVU and MTV Biggest Pop, and was also featured on the Paramount Times Square billboards. 

Smurfs, set for a theatrical release on 18^th July 2025, presents a fresh narrative where Smurfette, voiced by pop icon Rihanna, leads a quest to rescue Papa Smurf, portrayed by John Goodman, who has been abducted by the infamous antagonists Razamel and Gargamel. The storyline extends beyond their magical world, as the Smurfs enter the real world, exploring themes of destiny and self-discovery. The movie features a high-profile voice cast, also including James Corden, Daniel Levy, Amy Sedaris, Sandra Oh, and many others, moving away from the traditional Smurf village backdrop to introduce new environments and challenges.

The accompanying single Higher Love is the product of an innovative collaboration led by the music label DESI TRILL, created by music industry veterans Shabz Naqvi and Ty-Ty Smith. DESI TRILL aims to transform the music scene by blending Hip Hop and R&B with the distinctive sounds of South Asian (Desi) music, creating a genre intended to engage and inspire a global audience. This track reflects their genre-meshing philosophy, offering a fusion that resonates with diverse musical tastes and cultural backgrounds.

Higher Love and its associated video introduce not only the movie’s release but also further musical projects that integrate varied cultural influences, reflecting a globally interconnected audience. Check out the single here:

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Smurfs is released nationwide on 18^th July 2025.

Watch the trailer for Smurfs here: