Check out Theophilus London going global from NYC.

A number of hip-hop heavyweights have been heading down south lately -- from Jay-Z and Beyoncé's Cuban vacation to A$AP Rocky's "Wild For The Night" visit to the Dominican Republic -- but for his trip to "Rio," Theophilus London stayed right in New York City. London's trend-bucking upcoming video finds the musician keeping it local for a Brazilian homage, and he's just released a behind-the-scenes look at the intimate urban effort.

Go behind the scenes of Theophilus London's "Rio" video after the jump.

Joined by the Menahan Street Band and director Tim Cruz, the new clips capture Theo getting his "Great Gatsby" vibes on in a '20s-style hotel lounge. #Swaggy. London's also spotted romancing a young woman out on the neon-lit New York streets -- perhaps with promises of a tropical trip. The song itself finds London singing over a bongo-flecked, keyboard-driven groove that wouldn't be out of place on a Brazilian beach. Not that the song's not soulful: "Just call me/ I'll be there," London sings. It's a line that's made a few appearances in R&B history. According to London, the new song is an "introduction to the vibe" of his still-untitled next album. We have a suggestion, dude: Two Tickets to Paradise. Make Eddie Money proud.

+ Go behind the scenes of Theophilus London's "Rio" video.

Photo credit: Tracy Bailey