Melanin Man (feat. Masego) by Brasstracks
I’m so chuffed by the new song, Melanin Man, by Brasstracks. I’m chuffed for several reasons.
First, it’s just such a hot sound. Don’t get me wrong, I love the current trends in terms of electronic music. But sometimes it’s really lovely to hear some live instruments. And the fact that the major live instrument here is the trumpet, I’m majorly stoked. Okay, yes, I was a band geek. And I played the trumpet, marching on the field in formation, pumping my trumpet up and down. In pop music it’s a delicate instrument to use because it can lead to a too brassy sound. But when used properly it’s amazing, like it is here. It’s a HUGE sound that is unlike almost anything out there right now. But their sound still brings in elements of various forms of electronica, future soul, and other genres creating something that feels both current and retro, in the best way.
Another reason I love this song is because of Masego’s gorgeous and powerful voice. He’s singing, but it’s like he’s having a conversation with us.
But probably the biggest reason I love Melanin Man is it’s a celebration of Blackness. It references how American culture is built off the backs of Black folks – “My culture is your trend.” And it revels in the beauty of black skin.
I love the way I feel when I see my brethren with meThey shine See can you see, can you see, can you see them shine? I love when I see my lady shine My queen stays shinin’ They shine, they shine (they shine, they shine, they shine, they shine) Yeah Melanin Man Na, na, na, na that’s not obtained
The song harkens back to another song also titled Melanin Man by Mutaburaka, a Jamaican Rastafarian dub poet. His 1994 song, too, celebrated Blackness.
i am time and space i will never be erased de way i sing u see is just de melanin in me wen u look at me an’ t'ink do i remind u of blood or ink any one you perceive me to be i am indelible an’ its de melanin in me
All I can say to all of this is Yasss! Listen to Brasstracks’ whole album, Good Love. You’ll be glad you did..
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