“Three key steps to leading a rewarding and enriched life:
(1) Wake up. (2) Be awesome. (3) LISTEN TO PRESERVATION.”
– Yasiin Bey
Chromatic Warfare is an invigorating prismatic collection of styles that compliment each other because of the sincerity of the artists’ intent. Noel Black & XRA cross genres with authority and ingenuity, honoring traditions while innovatively pairing diverse musical styles. The sizzling dancehall of “Judge Before Reading” is ominously enlightening. Noel lays down stinging social commentary with a classic toasting style delivery. He sings: “Think you’ve got me figured out by the color of my skin / Ignorance is bliss, you should judge what’s within / Youths be wise, analyze the word that they speak / Say that we’re equal but who the cops kill in these streets?” On “Riot,” XRA steps up to the mic with a fiery flow and is militantly philosophical. She rhymes: “Climbing out the box, it’s too dark to see / How can I evolve with this lame mentality / Tired of being run by a massive convening of / Men who pretend like they even know me.” The anthemic “We Get Busy” is undeniably uplifting, playful in mood, thick with rugged beats, and featuring sensual hooks. This track lightens the album’s mood without dulling its impact.
The Ghetto Boys // Power (1972)
Learn more - about the Ghetto Boys, the South Bronx, Hip Hop and POWER. Support the film RUBBLE KINGS by NYC filmmaker Shan Nicholson.
Tonight! At St. Ann’s Warehouse
