“Champion” brings together three artists – Bud Rebel, Keeni, and Jin Hwan Jae – each adding their own voice to a track built around resilience, mental health, and personal growth. Bud Rebel, known for his work across film, television, and podcasting, has steadily built a reputation as a creator unafraid to explore meaningful themes. From feature films like The Undead and All Screwed Up to the scripted podcast Seduction featuring Eric Roberts, his storytelling has always crossed formats. With “Champion”, he channels that same narrative instinct into music, teaming up again with producer and co-writer Adam Gloc, with additional guitar work from his son Myles Weinfeld. Keeni and Jin each wrote and performed their own verses, bringing multiple perspectives into a shared emotional journey. The result is a track that embraces the reality of healing – imperfect, ongoing, and rooted in refusing to give up.
The animated video opens with a striking scene: a lone character in an orange prison jumpsuit inside a cramped cell, the doors sliding shut with a sharp metallic CLANG. The title Champion appears on screen, underlined with a barbell weight – a clear nod to the themes of strength and discipline that run through the track.
A simple kick-and-snare beat begins, almost like someone tapping it out on a table, before the scene shifts to the same character now in a gym, preparing to bench press. The opening rap line – “I deadlift my regrets as they are dead weight…” – lands perfectly with the visuals, setting the tone for a track centred on pushing through personal struggles.
The animation style is clean and bold, with a 3D look and a slight Borderlands-style ink-outline aesthetic. It gives the video a feel that suits the motivational message. We then meet another character, sitting low as paper balls are thrown at him. Instead of giving in, he drops to the floor and starts doing push-ups – a simple but effective metaphor for turning negativity into fuel.
When the chorus arrives – “I will be your champion, you will see I will have my day” – the vocal becomes more melodic, layered with harmonies that lift the track. It’s catchy, uplifting, and adds emotional weight. Jin Hwan Jae’s smooth vocal lines follow, offering a warm contrast with lyrics like “One foot in front of the other, gotta keep going if you’re gonna get higher.” Her tone adds depth and balance, giving the song a hopeful edge.
By the final chorus, all three vocalists stand back-to-back in the animation, looking confident and united. The video closes with the message: “Workout for your mind, body and soul.” It’s a fitting end to a visual story that blends physical imagery with emotional resilience.
“Champion” is a polished, motivational release with strong visuals, a memorable hook, and a clear sense of purpose – a track that encourages listeners to keep moving, keep fighting, and keep growing. It’s grounded, honest, and built on the idea that strength isn’t perfection – it’s persistence.
Links:
Pre-Save “Champion” on Spotify: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/budrebel/champion-feat-jin-hwan-jae-keeni--adam-gloc/
Bud Rebel Official Website: https://www.budrebelworld.com/
New Music UK Rating: 5/5 A powerful, emotionally grounded release with striking visuals, strong performances and a message that genuinely resonates.
NEW MUSIC UK 