September 2017 ~ Walls

in

"Hiss Golden Messenger's M.C. Taylor introduced his song "When the Wall Comes Down" by commenting on how ridiculous the idea of a wall with Mexico is. Although his music is never explicitly political, it's clearly on his mind. His descriptions from the road of seeing Trump signs disappear in towns that were littered with them prior to last year's election has been one small spot of hope for me this year." 

Featuring: Mastodon, Jane Weaver, Youssra El Hawary, Nilüfer Yanya, and more.

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August 2017 ~ African Fake Out

in

"Working on putting this playlist together, it started to feel like there was a secret theme - music that sounds like it's from Africa, but isn't."

Featuring: Msafiri Zawose, Steve Lacy, Deerhoof, Deradoorian, and more.

 

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October 2016 ~ Points of View

in

"It's interesting to compare the parallel careers of Solange and her sister, who both released albums in 2016 that are largely about black pride and the empowerment of black women. With her lower pop-profile, Solange seems to be able to come at it from a sharper angle - the lyrics more plainly and assertively hew to the theme, and the music is more stripped down, much further out from the center of pop radio accessibility. Delightfully, the album still hit number 1 on the charts."

Featuring: Deerhoof, Kate Tempest, Danny Brown, EL VY, and more. 

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