blackbyrd shines on refreshing album ‘Shoegaze for Black Kids’
blackbyrd has caught our attention for his refreshing new record Shoegaze for Black Kids. blackbyrd (formally known as mikeyblackkk) is an artist from the burgeoning Western Mass music scene. Combining the melody of shoegaze and dream pop with the lyricism of 90’s boom bap rappers, blackbyrd offers a truly original sound. The potent record finds him exploring truly original ground, as he blends a raw hip-hop delivery with soundscapes that echo shoegaze influences. It’s a record that is difficult to categorize- and rightfully so, as blackbyrd chooses to take a risk and certainly reaps the rewards.
Songs like “White Noise” and “Insomniac” neatly toe the line between 90’s hip-hop and shoegaze, with raw, expansive soundscapes back blackbyrd’s poetic, poignant lyricism. On “Insomniac” in particular, he presents a stark, clear take on society that is thought provoking and impactful. On “LOVE/ LOST” he brings in cloud rap influences with booming 808s and colorful synths, while “Rebel” makes a statement sonically and lyrically that sticks with the listener late in the record.
The latest from blackbyrd, Shoegaze for Black Kids is a creative triumph that blends genres in a way that makes it original and refreshing throughout, while blackbyrd stays potently true to himself in lyrical content and form.
Listen to Shoegaze for Black Kids here:
