James Reid tackles realities of breakup with Nadine Lustre in emotional ballad 'Hurt Me Too'

The music video for 'Hurt Me Too' is a powerful visual representation of the song's emotional depth.


At a glance

  • A raw ballad that delivers an emotional blow, "Hurt Me Too" has him confronting the harsh realities of heartbreak.


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James Reid

Actor-singer James Reid explores the theme of heartbreak in the new single “Hurt Me Too."

A raw ballad that delivers an emotional blow, "Hurt Me Too" has him confronting the harsh realities of heartbreak.

“I wrote the song three years ago with Seth Reger, an artist from LA,” James shared. “He helped me tap into these emotions that I didn’t even know I was feeling at that moment.”

The track produced by Tim Marquez showcases James at his most vulnerable, reflecting on the ghosts of his past with both fondness and pain.

In 2020, James and Nadine Lustre confirmed their split in a joint statement. 

"It’s true that we have split up, but not for all the reasons that are being spread on the tabloids and social media, but because after quiet and mature conversations, we decided to focus on ourselves not only for our careers but more for our personal growth as we are still young and we want to achieve as much as we can.

"We agreed that going separate ways was best for both of us. We are on good terms and are still really good friends and will continue to work with each other, especially when it comes to music," the statement read.

“Hurt Me Too” is a pivotal moment in James Reid's music career. It marks a significant shift in his sonic and lyrical direction, a decision that he believes will define the next phase of his music era. This time, his focus is on the storytelling aspect of his music-making, unearthing old wounds and memories, and transforming them into an inspiring piece of work.

He explains, “For this next album I’m working on, I wanted to focus on the core of who I am as a songwriter with minimal but intentional music production. Hurt Me Too is like a palate cleanser for me in that it introduces a change in sound and direction.”

The music video for 'Hurt Me Too' is a powerful visual representation of the song's emotional depth. Directed by Elena Virata, a close friend of James, it focuses on unreleased emotions and frustrations, adding another layer of depth to this heartfelt tune.

James is the latest addition to the growing Sony Music Entertainment family, which includes SB19, Ben&Ben, Denise Julia, O SIDE MAFIA, and Clara Benin on its elite roster.

As a key figure in contemporary pop and R&B music in the Philippines for over a decade, James has gifted music fans worldwide with compelling jams that transcend eras and generations. 

With chart-topping records, sold-out tours, and well-received brand campaigns under his belt, the music mogul, actor, and singer-songwriter continues to strike a balance between commercial viability and artistic independence, ensuring that there’s a place for artists like him in the mainstream music scene, who don’t need to pander to existing trends for a hit.