Kesha Releases Music Video for Single Backstabber
The singer unveils the official visual for the fan-favorite track 16 years after it first appeared on the album Animal.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Hip-Hop and Rap
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Kesha has officially released the music video for her song Backstabber, a track that originally gained traction on MySpace in 2008. The visual arrives 16 years after the song was featured on the singer's 2010 debut studio album, Animal.
Why it matters
The release serves as a late-era visual companion for a track that predates the singer's mainstream breakout with 2009's Tik Tok. The song was originally written after a friend stole the singer's car and spoke negatively about her.
The song Backstabber was first available on MySpace around 2008 before appearing on the 2010 album Animal. The new music video comes 16 years after the song was initially recorded and produced.
The players
Kesha
Kesha is a prominent American singer and songwriter known for her debut album Animal and hit singles like Tik Tok.
The Syndrome
The Syndrome is a directorial team known for creating high-concept music videos for major recording artists.
The details
Directed by The Syndrome, the music video depicts the singer recovering a car that had been stolen by a friend. The visual includes a scene where she confronts the individual responsible by slapping the person who took the vehicle.
Timeline
The song was first available on MySpace in 2008.
Kesha released the single Tik Tok in 2009.
The album Animal was released in 2010.
The music video for Backstabber was released on October 26, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release follows a broader pattern of artists revisiting and re-releasing visual content for cult-favorite songs from their early careers. It highlights how musicians are increasingly leveraging digital platforms to revitalize older music rather than focusing solely on new cycles.
Fans can now stream the music video on official digital platforms to view the long-awaited visual for the 2010 track. This provides listeners with a new way to experience the song that previously relied only on audio playback.
The takeaway
Legacy artists often find that releasing archival footage can re-engage long-time fans and introduce early catalog hits to new audiences. This release illustrates how modern digital distribution allows for the completion of projects that were sidelined during an artist's initial debut.
Further reading
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Do you enjoy seeing artists release old or previously unreleased music videos from their early career?
