Music
afropunk premiere: forget the name, i am tru starr’s latest ep is more than ‘b-sides’ #soundcheck
Presented as the B-Side to last year’s Hair Like Basquiat, I Am Tru Starr’s latest B-Sides is more than just a collection of miscellaneous other songs he had lying on his hard drive. The 4 song EP builds on the ideas of Hair Like Basquiat and refines and clarifies them, particularly on the anxiously beautiful “It.” Warped synths, skipping percussion, and Tru Starr’s laconic vocal delivery define the set, mixing social and political commentary with stream of conscious 3 AM conversation. Though laid back, it’s unexpectedly engaging and thought provoking.
I Am Tru Starr explains: “We all since the day we were born have bee subjected to tv programs, music among other sources all designed to make you feel inadequate. To not embrace the most beautiful parts of yourself. Unfair beauty standards or ideals of what it takes to be considered beautiful have had a real adverse effect on generation of kids who one have never been properly taught to love themselves. It. turn making it impossible for them to love others. Especially in the ghetto when how the hell do you expect me to love someone who looks like me. Similar skin, nappy kinky hair. How in the hell can I love that person when you have taught me to hate those same things about myself. but look around now. Bunch of kids walking around embracing their own beauty. Their “Power.” harnessing it and wearing boldly. Whole generation of kids boldly proclaiming this who we are. This is what we are. Fuck you if you don’t like it.”
By Nathan Leigh, AFROPUNK contributor
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