It wasn't until I experienced the album fully that I realized how special it is. Common previewed tracks from the album for a Tiny Desk Concert at the White House library in October, and I was delighted to hear him get back to vintage Common, speaking for the people. This has been a tough year for many black Americans, but some amazing art was conceived out of the struggle - and Black America Again stands triumphantly.
Common has been one of those in hip-hop as long as I can remember. There's a yearning for certain voices to be heard in times of crisis, to calm and create a sense of alignment within the community.
And when Roxane Dayette and Sam Paul Evans of the NPR fave The Hics chime in for harmonies, it creates my favorite moment on the album. Bas spits "I can see all of your terrors / Still remain in quiet and wonder in private and silence / Like if I just speak on it, would the people go buy it?" This sinister sound carries on throughout the project, reaching its plateau on "Matches." Bas isn't afraid to clear his throat to flex singing chops here and there. The sound is melodic melancholy from the opening bird chirps and keys of the Cam O'bi-produced title track. It's the descent from a high life portrayed on Last Winter and the result is leaps and bounds better. He describes the album to Complex magazine as a response to his debut, Last Winter. On Bas's 2nd LP, Too High to Riot, we're granted the brightest beam of hope yet. Dreamville Records has a solid roster but they've been unable to duplicate the success they've had with J.
0 kommentar(er)
