Synopsis

Jamie Lidell performs "The City" as a one-man electronic soul set, building the arrangement in real time from vocal samples, beatboxed rhythms, bass-like noises, loops, and processed effects. Rather than following a scripted storyline, the video focuses on the physical process of creating the track: Lidell moves between microphones and electronic equipment while layers accumulate around his expressive lead vocal. The result is both a performance and a demonstration of his unusual ability to function as singer, beatboxer, sampler, and live producer.

Factoids & Trivia

• The video presents "The City" as a live construction rather than a conventional narrative music video. Its main visual appeal comes from watching Lidell create the backing track while performing.

• Lidell's setup reflects the hybrid style that defined his work during the *Multiply* era. He used his voice to imitate percussion and instrumental parts, then captured and repeated those sounds through looping and sampling equipment.

• IMDb dates the music video to 2004, placing the performance before the release of *Multiply* in 2005. The timing is notable because "The City" helped showcase the transition between Lidell's experimental electronic background and his more openly soulful material.

• A performance of "The City" was also associated with the *From the Basement* series, where the stripped-down setting suited Lidell's emphasis on musicianship and live sound manipulation.

• "The City (Four Tet Mix)" later appeared on *Multiply Additions*, released in 2006. That remix should not be confused with the original performance featured here.