Growing up, I've always considered myself a "black culture enthusiast", and the different facets have shaped who I am and how I view the culture I come from.
It is my hope to post all of the fun tidbits about music, art, fashion, books, film, and TV on here that catch my eye, and to develop a voice for what I see. Black culture is vast and vibrant, so let's explore it...a lot!
What I wanted to first share was Kierra Sheard's latest album, Graceland. For those who are not familiar with her, it's not a reference to Elvis's famous home. She is the daughter of Karen Clark-Sheard (of the Clark Sisters), so she has gospel music in her blood.
I follow her on instrgram, and she kept talking about it (as any artist does), so I bought it when it was released in July. Mannnnnnn! Let me tell you, if you've heard her previous albums, you're in for a new sound. She gives this fusion of samples and driving beats of hip-hop with the heartbreaking lyrics that remind me of Mary J. Blidge. It is my firm believe that when a musical artist lets their own life, and sometimes pain, be their inspiration of their project, it reaches down to the human soul deeper than anything else. Not only can you relate to her struggles, but can even be moved to tears when thinking of the goodness of Jesus.
The entire album is stellar from beginning to end, much like Mary Mary's Something Big and Tye Tribbett's Greater Than. I do have favorites though!
All time favorite: Moving Forward. Different from the versions Israel Houghton and Hezekiah Walker have made, it's an atypical anthem of sorts, claiming that though God cannot be seen, He is there and you can trust Him.
Favorite for symbolism: Kill The Dragon.When you first hear it, you may think of a superhero story, but then the chorus and you hear the reference to Revelations. In one of John's visions, he mentions a dragon that will eventually be defeated, and I had only heard of one other reference to Revelations in a song. It's just super dope.
Favorite personal song: Flaws.One of the slower ballads, Kierra talks about the the flaws she possess and how God loves them all. If you don't draw a tear after this song, you're weird.
The samples from some Clark Sisters tracks were pretty dope as well. I really like some of the more recent Christian albums are taking stylistic ques from hip-hop, but making it their own with the same age-old message of the gospel. People may still think the newer Christian music sounds too secular, but the "magic" is in the lyrics. Rich lyrics with great instrumentals create a great body of work. This album is definitely Grammy worthy come next year.
If you don't have Graceland, it's available on iTunes and in stores everywhere.
