The Ones: Lo Village’s “Lost in America”

With artists releasing songs at a fast and furious pace, it’s difficult for the average hip-hop head to keep track of it all—no matter how tapped in they are. That’s why we created The Ones, a daily post to highlight the song you need to hear.

Lo Village - “Lost in America”

Lo Village’s Lost In America EP exists in the aftermath of last summer’s heated uprisings against racist violence, and in the shadow of centuries of racial trauma. The Montgomery Village, Maryland group reassert Black strife and resilience on the title track, subtly calling upon musical forebears Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Erykah Badu as they make their own pledge to survive and disrupt. “Foot on my chest/Still tryna breathe/See it’s difficult/But I’m still with the shits,” raps member Charles Tyler. From singer Ama’s calm chorus to the wintery, high-pitched whistle weaved into its background, “Lost in America” balances a defiant energy with cold undertones. Stitched to the track’s end is a muffled recording of a gospel tribute to Breonna Taylor, whose killing catalyzed protests last May. In the clip, a cheery choir sings her name under the guidance of an impassioned soloist. It’s both the warmest part of “Lost in America” and the most chilling.

Check out previous Ones, and listen to new rap from Lo Village and more on our Spotify playlist.

Originally Appeared on Pitchfork