Riders Against the Storm - "Mali" feat. Mobley
R.A.S. unleashes another fire track for Austin that's not only hot to dance to but is also full of social commentary and wisdom. Their description of their new music video/single speaks for itself: 'Mali' gives homage to the forces/spirits bringing us back, and resurrecting us from the 'dead.' Mali follows two souls trapped in torture and humiliation tactics used on enslaved Blacks. The song and video is a statement about being recognized in the world beyond your trauma, and walking with a healthy arrogance, confidence, and self-realized power in the world.
Gorillaz - "The Apprentice" feat. Rag‘n’Bone Man, Zebra Katz & RAY BLK
Gorillaz released new song "The Apprentice" ahead of their anticipated new album release. It's a neo soul, funk dripping hip-hop pop joint. To me this sounds like Gorillaz at its best, but strangely this song is listed as an extra on the new album deluxe version - so it's not on the regular album issue. Damon Albarn's haunting, soulful vocals mesh well with the laidback, trippy neo soul and the guest artists' bluesy rooted vocals. The rapper, RAY BLK, gets the spotlight on the last verse. He could almost be mistaken for Busta Rhymes, which is definitely an asset to his low snarling rap. Â Â
Big Boi - "Mic Jack" feat. Adam Levine
A lot of recent Adam Levine/Maroon 5 stuff has been slightly cringeworthy, so I wasn't sure what to expect on this. But Adam turns out to be a good pick for the chorus' electro funk. It's a Daft Punk-ish sounding song. Big Boi is cool and confident on the raps. His new album Boomiverse is slated for a June release.Â
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