Black America Again
“Black America Again,” Common’s 11th studio album is nothing short of an extraordinary project. While the rapper stopped by Morehouse College to promote the November 4th release, I was eager to see the new project that seemed to have the campus captivated. Being a long time Common listener myself, I heard that the purpose of the visit was to discuss the prevalent themes and issues that inspired the album. With many social injustices happening amongst people of color lately, I was ecstatic to know that Common dedicated his entire album to a new view of black America.
When first hearing the title “Black America Again,” I was intrigued in finding out the meaning behind it. Luckily for myself, before Common paints the picture for us verbally, he takes viewers to the streets of Baltimore. The opening film, that accompanies the album, shows us a homage to the late Freddie Gray, we are taken on a journey through the streets by a woman wearing white who sings a soulful hymn. The film was filled with beautiful visuals that gave me goosebumps, from the black and white portraits of the various men, women and children in the film, to Yoruba men and women dancing in the street, I enjoyed it all. Although the imagery could speak for itself, the music brought life to what was on screen. As explained by Common, these visuals were a representation of a new black America. It’s a black America that we have aspired to have. Where black people can live in a place with no judgement, no fear, and most importantly love.
Amongst the black community, we have been known to be exclusive and inclusive depending on the subject matter. but in order to create this all-inclusive environment we must see the importance of unified love. It doesent hurt when you have Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Bilal, BJ the Chicago Kid and many other great features on an album, it definitely helps to create a special album. And through the question and answer portion of the event, Common expressed that his inspiration came from all around him. Through reading James Baldwin to having conversation with loved ones, friends and fans, his objective was to create an album that contributed to the bigger picture
I really had to digest the words, the sounds and the emotions that this project provided for me. The project is truly empowering for all people. For Common to come to Morehouse College, where black male excellence is fostered, to speak with us candidly meant a lot. At a time where many notable figures are using their platform to take a knee or put their fist in the air in order to speak out on injustices, Common’s new album is a refreshing gospel that people will want to hear over and over again.
