Flobots, a hip-hop group from Denver, have released a stunning protest song and accompanying video. Why does this stand out to me more than the many protest songs that are flooding my inbox and are sure to do so for the next 4+ years? Flobots does not shy away from complexity. The video juxtaposes images of white nostalgia for the “good old days” with oppression of black people. The lyrics call in people who espouse racism, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination. This is a song and video that acknowledges that we need to come together — for the first time in this country’s history — to resist the fear and hatred that tear our communities apart, both from within and without. Watch the video. Seriously. If it doesn’t give you chills then I don’t know what will. I’m not a hip-hop fan but I am eagerly awaiting the release of NOENEMIES in the spring.
The song uses a traditional form of Southern singing, called Sacred Harp, and samples an Alan Lomax recording of the song “Antioch.” It’s powerful stuff and I urge you to sit with it.