S-Quire and Pitch Perfect, the rapper and director behind this week’s viral hit Doin That, are speaking out after their music video gained attention for featuring NYPD Detective Melissa Mercado, who turned heads with her thong-twerking and pole-dancing moves inside a strip club.
Speaking exclusively to TMZ Hip Hop, the duo clarified that Mercado’s role was strictly professional, revealing they hired her through a legitimate casting agency. Both artists confirmed that the chemistry on-screen was just part of the show.
S-Quire, however, made it clear that the “cop rap video” tag is one he’s not keen to be associated with. He emphasized that the video was all about performance, as seen in behind-the-scenes footage, and was not intended to make any political statements about law enforcement.
Pitch, who has worked on major video shoots like Cardi B’s Bodak Yellow, mentioned that Doin That was one of the quickest-growing videos he’s seen for a new artist. Despite the controversy, the video had already garnered millions of views before news of Mercado’s profession spread online.
Pitch, also an exec at WorldStarHipHop, noted that the site’s massive traffic likely contributed to the video’s success, but both he and S-Quire acknowledged that Mercado’s striking appearance definitely played a role in the video’s popularity.
Both artists revealed they hadn’t spoken directly with Mercado but wished her well, especially given the negative backlash she’s received for being an NYPD officer. Mercado’s involvement in the video has led to a flood of hate mail directed at her, though sources say the NYPD is standing by their detective.
S-Quire, hailing from Hempstead, Long Island, is proud of the Doin That anthem but says his next track, Ten Toes Down, will offer a stark contrast to this recent controversy.
In the aftermath of the video’s viral success, several artists have reached out to recruit Mercado for future projects, with the gentlemen’s club Spearmint Rhino NYC also expressing interest in working with her.
