– THE PEACEFUL PROTEST –

“HIDEnSEEK is a song about the post hashtag aftermath of state-funded violence produced onto black and brown bodies by police” says L.A. poet/rapper Emmanuel Ashley Ricketts. “Refusing to become trauma porn, HIDEnSEEK unfolds from four different perspectives.”

It’s a serious vibe but one that is hidden deep in the mix for much of this collaboration between Def Sound (Ricketts’ stage name) and fellow MCs Pink Siifu, Aye Mitch and Zeroh.

For three and a half minutes it hovers by in a heavy (if entirely enjoyable) haze of reverb and woozy guitar samples.

But then, the five-finger death punch is dropped by Producer Khalil Slim. Slowly, as if floating in from a fever dream somewhere else, appears Imogen Heap’s 2005 single of the same name.

It is an absolute masterstroke.

The two tracks play simultaneously, seemingly in clashing keys and yet completely complementing each other.

For someone who is so familiar with the original, hearing it in this form is a jolting experience which brings into sharp focus not only to the imperiousness of the original piece but also the key message of the new song.

The track is a follow up to Def Sounds’ summer 19 record Colored and is out now through Mango Disco Records / SOUTH CENTERED.

MORE FROM THIS WEEK’S MIX

AFRICA EXPRESS: MORALS
SHARDS: UNREST
BLUE LAB BEATS: STAND UP
MARO: WHY

P.S. You can find all of the tracks reviewed above in the 45 Revolutions per Minute playlist below or click to access the 45 RPM Playlist on Spotify itself.

If you like what you hear (or even if you don’t), please engage in dialogue with me @45rpm_Reviews on Twitter. And, if you’d like to receive updates weekly, please subscribe to the email list to get these recommendations sent to your inbox weekly.

– SV –