When I did 'Happy Birthday,' I wrote the treatment for the video before I wrote the record. And once I wrote the video, I had a clear understanding of what I wanted; I created the soundtrack to that video.

In this quote, Joyner Lucas reflects on his creative process for the music video and song "Happy Birthday". He reveals that he wrote the treatment for the video first, before even composing the record itself. This approach highlights how Lucas used the visual aspect of the project as the foundation for the music, instead of simply creating a song and then designing a video around it. By starting with the video, he had a clearer sense of the concept and emotion he wanted to convey, which then shaped the sound of the song.

Lucas’s statement also speaks to the interconnectedness of the visual and musical elements of his work. He describes how once he had a clear vision for the video, he was able to create a soundtrack that aligned with and enhanced that visual experience. This shows that for Lucas, the video and the music are equally important and must work together to tell a cohesive story or evoke a specific feeling.

The idea of writing the video before the music reflects an innovative approach to storytelling in music. While many artists begin with the sound and then work on the visuals, Lucas reversed the process, making the visual narrative the driving force behind the project. This unique approach demonstrates his creativity and ability to think outside the typical music industry process, making the video a central element of the song’s identity.

Ultimately, Lucas's creative method illustrates how he integrates multiple aspects of artistry, particularly visuals and sound, to create a cohesive and impactful piece of work. His process of writing the video first allowed him to have a more deliberate and intentional connection between the visual and auditory components of "Happy Birthday," which ultimately resulted in a piece that resonated both artistically and emotionally.