The Dominican Day Parade in New York City has always been a celebration of culture, pride, and community. This year it hit a whole new level. Rick Bars, the rising artist known for blending music with community outreach, just released the official music video for his latest single “What I Wanna” featuring Lyrivelli and CristionDior. Shot right in the heart of the Dominican Day Parade, the video has already gone viral, racking up over 200,000 views in just two days on YouTube.
This was not your average music video. Rick Bars did not just perform, he gave back.
Music Meets Community
In the video, viewers can see Rick Bars weaving through the energetic parade crowd, not only spitting bars but also spreading love through giveaways. The artist handed out gift cards, Rica Juices, and even a Nintendo Switch to lucky fans who were part of the celebration. For Rick Bars, it was not just about filming a performance, it was about creating a shared moment that connected music, culture, and community.
“I love mixing giveaways with music,” Rick Bars has said in past interviews, and the Dominican Day Parade video was a living example of that philosophy. The crowd’s energy was undeniable as people danced, waved Dominican flags, and joined in on the celebration.
Spanglish Soundtrack
The track “What I Wanna” is a collaboration with Lyrivelli and CristionDior, two artists who bring their own dynamic energy to the record. The song fuses English and Spanish lyrics, giving it a true Spanglish flavor that resonates with bilingual audiences. This mix reflects the cultural diversity of the city and creates a sound that feels authentic to the streets of New York. In neighborhoods like Inwood, Dyckman, and the Bronx, Spanglish is more than just a way of speaking, it is a way of life.
The music video captures this vibe perfectly. From colorful parade floats to close-up shots of the artists interacting with fans, the visuals amplify the track’s celebratory and multicultural energy.
A Co-Sign From a Legend
When a legend like Busta Rhymes takes notice, you know you are making waves. Shortly after the video dropped, Busta Rhymes left a comment showing love to Rick Bars’ work. The co-sign adds momentum to what is already shaping up to be a breakout moment for the artist.
For an independent artist grinding his way up, support from an industry heavyweight is not just a compliment, it is validation. It is also a sign that the song and video are reaching audiences well beyond the parade.
More Than a Music Video
What sets this release apart is the combination of artistry and authenticity. Rick Bars is not just dropping music, he is building experiences. By giving away items like Rica Juices, gift cards, and a Nintendo Switch, he transformed a standard music video shoot into an unforgettable community event. The giveaways symbolize something deeper: an artist who is not afraid to give back to the people who support him.
This is not a one-time thing. Rick Bars has built a reputation for blending giveaways into his shows and video shoots. Whether he is in the Bronx, Yonkers, or uptown Manhattan, he consistently makes his presence felt not only as an artist but also as a community figure.
The Road Ahead
With the early success of “What I Wanna” Rick Bars is clearly gaining traction. A viral video, a Busta Rhymes shout-out, and the buzz surrounding the Dominican Day Parade are just the beginning. If he continues blending music, culture, and community in this way, Rick Bars has the potential to become one of New York’s most impactful emerging artists.
For now, fans can keep replaying the music video and reliving the energy of the Dominican Day Parade. Between the music, the giveaways, and the cultural pride on display, Rick Bars has delivered more than just a song. He has delivered a moment.