Synopsis

Tamia performs "Imagination" in a surreal, theatrical world that blends R&B performance with gothic circus imagery. Surrounded by fire blowers and other circus performers, she moves through stark, highly stylized settings while Jermaine Dupri contributes his rap appearance. The video emphasizes atmosphere over a conventional storyline, using dramatic lighting, unusual costumes, and striking visual tableaux to create a dreamlike contrast with the song's smooth, upbeat sound.

Factoids & Trivia

• Although often listed informally as a Jermaine Dupri video, "Imagination" is a Tamia single featuring Dupri. It appeared on her 1998 self-titled debut album.

• The video's visual concept drew inspiration from Jean Cocteau's 1946 film adaptation of "Beauty and the Beast," giving the clip its dark, theatrical tone.

• Circus performers, including fire blowers, were incorporated into the production, helping create the video's unusual mixture of fantasy, spectacle, and gothic imagery.

• Tamia later recalled that she initially found the video's direct-to-camera performance style difficult because people were moving around behind the camera. A black screen was eventually placed near the lens to help her maintain focus.

• The song interpolates the Jackson 5's "I Want You Back," which resulted in Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Freddie Perren, and Deke Richards receiving songwriting credit.

• The clip was nominated for Urban/R&B Video of the Year at the 1999 Music Video Production Association Awards.

• Tamia said the video's unconventional style helped it stand out from the polished, formulaic R&B clips common at the time.