Video: Riders Against the Storm (RAS) “In the Light”
Tuesday, February 9th, 2010This is a track from Speak the Truth, the second release from Riders Against the Storm (RAS), a husband and wife duo out of Providence, Rhode Island. Jonathan and Ghislaine say their musical goal is to “not only inform, but also to uplift and create spaces where atrocities against people of the African diaspora can begin to heal.” You can find out more about them at their MySpace page or download a copy of the CD here.
With the exception of classical and jazz, many of you have told me you’re not big fans of instrumental music. And just as many are not particularly fond of hip hop. So, with today’s recommendation, I’m asking you to let me stretch your musical mind a bit by giving you instrumental and hip hop music at the same time. I promise it won’t hurt a bit. (If you’re already excited by the idea of electronica/hip hop-flavored instrumentals, I will simply say THIS IS THE SHHHH……..!!!!)
If you’re outside the box in the first place, you almost have no choice but to bring something different to the musical table. Well Madcon (short for “Mad Conspiracy”) is about as far outside the box as one can be. This Norwegian singing/rapping duo is comprised of Tshawe Baqwa (aka Kapricon; born in Germany of South African heritage) and Yosef Wolde-Mariam (aka Critical; born in Norway of Ethiopian and Eritrean heritage).
I struggle with the opposing forces of artistic expression and censorship, especially my own self-imposed censorship. That battle has made it difficult for me to enjoy many rap artists. As much as I enjoy the beats and the clever, insightful and sometimes humorous lyrics, I find it difficult to hear the “N” word. (I didn’t attend the funeral but I sent my well wishes.) It’s a word that’s never been a part of my lexicon nor used around me (despite growing up in Selma, Alabama) and, therefore, continues to jar me each time I hear performers use it. As a consumer, I generally avoid rap or, when I can’t resist a particular track or artist, I purchase the “clean” version of their music.
If you know hip-hop and rap, you know Q-Tip. As one of the founding members of A Tribe Called Quest, this pioneer has been raising the bar for a long time. Whether it’s on the producing, lyrical or performance level, there’s no one like Q-Tip. When others are rapping about bling bling, “bitches” and who has the biggest whatever, this instantly-recognizable voice has been raising awareness by shining spotlights on social issues and spitting rhymes of love, admiration and adoration for the women in his life (and sometimes just in his sightline). Much like other rappers who came later (Mos Def, Common, Talib Kweli, among others), Q-Tip is for the rap connoisseur instead of the simple-minded beat lovers.
