It's May 13, 2024, 02:49:21 AM
In this era of reckoning for American policing, increases of instances racism fostered by the most incompetent president in modern times, and a global pandemic that has affected all areas of life as we once knew it, voices of dissent in entertainment have become more relevant than ever.Enter Paris, arguably one of the most politically outspoken artists in hip-hop history, with his latest album, Safe Space Invader. Entirely self-produced Safe Space Invader is a brutal commentary on Black life in 2020 America, touching on the topics of police brutality, racism, gentrification, economic inequality and cancel culture, among others.From SSI's opening track, "Bang Bang," the mood is set. With an appropriate sonic backdrop of civil unrest, Paris rages with his characteristic menacing snarl:"Won't stop till we all eatBeast mode, Bay niggas all beastSpit clearly so we can all seeIt's no fun if we all can't get a piece"Its follow-up, "Why Reconcile?" asks that very question - in stark, uncompromising terms over an ominous soundscape: "Ain't no middle ground, ain't no understandin'Just demand fairness 'til we advancin'Apply pressure, ride on the enemyAnd why reconcile if we ain't free? Fuck peace"And it goes on from there. "Press On" displays Paris' unbridled fury at police misconduct and the apologists who support and embolden it, and "Turned the Key" is a poignant lament of the effects of gentrification on communities of color in the USA. However, it is Paris' first single and video, "Baby Man Hands," that truly engages and emboldens listeners disgusted with the current state of affairs brought about by the ineptitude of our Commander in Chief. It is a vicious takedown of Donald Trump and his related buffoonery, and serves as musical catharsis and affirmation for those at their wits end with his shenanigans: ''Call Trump UniversityCause his fake shit brings out the worst in meFake news, fake views, fake telecastFed to the fake by the fake fulla fake factsFuck y’all with Kellyanne’s dickAnd start pickin’ truth over fake shitStart realizing you made thisDimwit racist rapist president" Continuing in the tradition of artists who can be relied upon to remain consistent with both content and dedication to musical quality, this effort by Paris pleases not only his existing loyal supporters, but continues to gain him many new listeners as well.30 years after his classic debut The Devil Made Me Do It, it is a sad truth that politically astute activist rappers like Paris are still needed to address wrongs in the world we live in. As uncompromising as ever, Paris pulls no punches on Safe Space Invader. His lyrics are as vital and fiery as they were on The Devil Made Me Do It in 1990, arguably even more so. And it is timely too - in this year of unreal political discord and social unrest, Safe Space Invaders is an incendiary but important statement. The beats could have been better here and there, but this one is all about Paris' hard rhymes. Whether you agree with his ideas or not, there's no denying voices like Paris's are NECESSARY
"Turned The Key" is a banger!