Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s “RUN” Reframes Independence Day Around Black History
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The post Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s “RUN” Reframes Independence Day Around Black History appeared first on Consequence.
Every Friday, Song of the Week breaks down the song we just can’t get out of our heads. Find these tracks and more on our Spotify Top Songs playlist. For our favorite new songs from emerging artists, check out our Spotify New Sounds playlist. This week, Killer Mike returns with the Young Thug-assisted “RUN.”
Most Americans celebrate the 4th of July with cookouts and fireworks every year without giving a second thought to the history behind the holiday. Killer Mike aims to change that with “RUN,” his first solo music in 10 years. As he mentioned in a recent Complex interview about the track, not everyone is taught that a Black man named Crispus Attucks is considered the first American to die during the Boston Massacre.
In the video, Dave Chappelle delivers a motivational speech about having no choice but to move forward before Mike spotlights key figures like Frederick Douglass, George Washington Carver, and Sojourner Truth as a reminder of the impact of Black people in shaping the history of the United States.
On the track itself, the theme persists on a more personal level. Over a rumbling bassline and riveting horns, the West Atlanta native focuses on his all-too-common experience of digging himself out of the mud through dealing drugs, but counts his blessings for simply still being alive as a Black man in America. Serving as motivation for those who are still struggling, he raps on the refrain, “This for the ones that never won.”
At any other time, Young Thug’s rare guest verse would be worth celebrating, but it arrives two months after the rapper was indicted on racketeering charges. It’s chilling to hear Thugger speak of bringing people out of poverty when his label, Young Stoner Life Records, is being accused of acting as a criminal street gang while using his lyrics and music videos as evidence. On top of that, he is essentially being treated as guilty until proven innocent, having been denied a request for bond.
Killer Mike Talks Legalization of Marijuana, Next Album with Run the Jewels: “Look For More Music, Period”
Though Independence Day has come and gone, the juxtaposition between the accomplishments of Black Americans and the persistence of systemic racism remains. While Killer Mike doesn’t offer any solutions on “RUN,” his message of remembering the past while pushing toward the future rings true no matter what day of the year it is.
— Eddie Fu
New Music Editor
Honorable Mentions:
Forest Claudette — “Creaming Soda”
“Creaming Soda” is a hell of a way to say “hello.” Marking Forest Claudette’s debut single, the track is bombastic and instantly lovable. The beat alone warrants umpteenth repeat listens, as its meticulous construction brims with easily missable but extremely rewarding details. Rarely do newcomers, especially those as young as the 23-year-old Claudette, come across with so much charisma, intrigue, and swagger. Off the back of his debut single alone, Florist Claudette seems destined for greatness. — Jonah Krueger
Terence Etc. – “In Contemplation of Clair’s Scent”
Coming by way of Flying Lotus’ Brainfeeder Records, Terence Etc.’s latest cut, “In Contemplation of Clair’s Scent,” is beautifully complex, jazz-tinged, and intensely enjoyable. Beginning with a simple piano intro, the track quickly explodes into a busy, horn-backed arrangement. The joyful chord progression and instrumentation are ever-changing, whizzing by at an incredible speed. Clocking in at under three minutes, the track leaves you scratching your head at wondering what exactly you just heard — and then you put it on repeat. — J.K.
Doechii – “Bitch I’m Nice”
With her first two singles on Top Dawg Entertainment, Doechii alternated between the slinky “Persuasive” and the pure, unadulterated energy of “Crazy.” The Tampa native’s latest effort is comparable to the latter, as she delivers two nimble-tongued verses sandwiched around an unabashed chorus. At 23 years old, the Swamp Princess is still on an upward trajectory but has infectious confidence that will serve her well as she continues to develop. “No sweat, I’m the heavyweight champ, whaddup?” Doechii boasts, fully aware of the growing number of eyes on her. — E.F.
The Foxies – “If Life Were a Movie”
“If Life Were a Movie,” the second single from The Foxies’ upcoming album Who Are You Now, Who Were You Then?, may be lyrically cynical, but its sonics are dance-ready and uplifting. Despite a bitter, somewhat morbid message, the track moves along swiftly, introducing earworm melodies along the way. It’s a worthwhile contribution to the recent wave of pop-punk-influenced alternative pop, and together with “Headsweat,” the tune bodes well for the band’s soon-to-be-released debut LP. — J.K.
Mckenna Grace – “Post Party Trauma”
Ghostbusters: Afterlife star McKenna Grace is just 16 years old, but she’s writing luscious, confessional songs that compete with the best of them. Her latest effort, “Post Party Trauma,” is a piano-led ballad that concludes with a synth-backed, explosive climax. All the while, Grace sings of social anxiety and high school drama getting her down with the conviction of someone who truly feels trapped. She quietly deals with the trauma of socializing before showing off her impressive voice on the back end of the track. It’s a pure, addictive piece of emotional pop. — J.K.
Voxtrot – “Fifteen Minutes”
A decade after calling it quits, pop-rock act Voxtrot have returned to the stage and are releasing a new collection of B-sides and rarities entitled Cut from the Stone. “Fifteen Minutes” is the second single to be released from the compilation, following “Kindergarten,” and finds the group as anthemic as ever. — J.K.
Top Songs Playlist:
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Song of the Week: Killer Mike’s “RUN” Reframes Independence Day Around Black History
Eddie Fu and Jonah Krueger
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