Music
Common Performs ‘Say Peace’ On ‘The Tonight Show’ With Black Thought And PJ
Common and his friend Black Thought appeared in a pre-shot set with a green screen for a colorful celebration of ‘A Beautiful Revolution.’ …
Common, who recently released this 13th studio album A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1), appeared last night on The Tonight Show to perform the album’s lead single “Say Peace” alongside Black Thought and PJ. Set in front of a green screen, the colorful performance saw the two rappers trade verses as scenes of protest played in the background. Guest singer PJ also appeared on the screen, while a number of solo shots of Common himself cut across the footage.
Common released the Afrobeats-influenced track a week before the album after having another of the album’s tracks used in Michelle Obama’s When We All Vote campaign. Common also headlined the Life Every Voice Juneteenth live stream concert sponsored by When We All Vote in July. Before that, he spoke with Charles Thorp for Uproxx’s “Quarantine Kit” series, detailing his lockdown essentials which included shooting hoops outdoors, bodyweight training indoors, and, of course, a healthy dose of self-help books.
Black Thought, meanwhile, recently delivered a spirited performance of his own for COLORS, while PJ recently released her “I’m Forreal” video with fellow North Carolinian Lute.
Watch Common’s Tonight Show performance above.
A Beautiful Revolution (Pt 1) is out now on Loma Vista Recordings. Get it here.
PJ is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
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Clay and Kelsy Embrace Darkness and Light in Transformative EP ‘I am’
Clay and Kelsy, the innovative pair at the forefront of Los Angeles’ indie music scene, present their latest project: the emotionally charged and sonically intricate EP, ‘I am’. This work consists of five tracks that delve into the complexities of doubt, emotional pain, and the intricacies of self-discovery, addressing the multifaceted nature of the human experience—from heartache to resilience.
The EP opens with “Insecure,” a raw sonic narrative that unpacks themes of waning self-confidence. Following this, “You Hurt Me” delivers a poignant exploration of betrayal, characterized by its evocative lyrics and dynamic arrangement. The track “I Miss You” amplifies the emotional landscape with its soulful introspection, articulating the challenges of grief and attachment faced while letting go. In “Memories of Me,” the duo addresses the profound weight of despair, tackling themes of existential fragmentation and mental health struggles with brutal honesty.
The titular track, “I am,” emerges as a pivotal moment within the EP—serving as a testament to survival, growth, and the journey toward self-acceptance. This piece balances the turmoil of past experiences with an optimistic outlook on future endeavors, ultimately acting as a powerful affirmation of resilience and readiness to confront forthcoming challenges.
Clay and Kelsy’s exceptional storytelling is complemented by their innovative integration of electronic soundscapes with soulful lyrics and instrumentation, transforming ‘I am’ into a cathartic listening experience. As artists, producers, and co-founders of CKI—an initiative championing women’s empowerment and amplifying underrepresented voices—they infuse their work with authenticity and creativity. ‘I am’ signifies a significant evolution in their artistic trajectory, and the anticipation for their next steps is palpable within the industry.
Artist Spotlight
Sadie Brown delivers a heartfelt illusion of a fake life with her new single “Counterfeit”
At the heart of “Counterfeit” is a tale of love manipulated for selfish purposes, yet still feels captivating. Sadie Brown’s new single “Counterfeit” invites listeners into the deceptive lull of beautiful and bleak love, one that promises everything while lacking genuine vulnerability, ultimately delivering only heartbreak. Brown adeptly illustrates the anguish of being entangled in a romantic relationship that never fully reveals itself, leaving listeners caught between longing and the painful acknowledgment of reality. Through ethereal pop sensibilities and a bittersweet melody, Brown explores the complexity of a “counterfeit love life” alluring yet reserved, a love experience that’s perpetually poised to “cut its losses.” The outcome is a sonic experience that feels as vast and unreachable as a memory of love gone awry.
“Counterfeit” doesn’t just touch on the hurt that comes from unrequited love; it captures the quiet resignation accompanying it. With “Counterfeit,” Sadie Brown steps into a new creative direction in her music, mixing introspective storytelling with emotional resonance.
Written during the lockdown and produced by Cashybear (Tim Ross, formerly of Cash+David), “Counterfeit” builds a hazy, indie-pop atmosphere that feels grounded and otherworldly. The collaboration with guitarist Jimmy Sims (known for his work with George Ezra) lends a retro warmth, creating swirling riffs that complement Sadie’s soft yet piercing vocal delivery. This subtle instrumentation mirrors the song’s themes: a relationship built on false pretenses, with its sweetness fading away like mist.
Brown draws inspiration from artists like Camera Obscura, Kate Bush, and Lana Del Rey, bringing a charming and restrained sense of vulnerability. Like Joni Mitchell, Brown leans into the contradictions of envious love, evoking nostalgia but never retreating from the reality of unfulfilled desire. “Counterfeit” is a thought-provoking piece that establishes Sadie Brown as a voice that can authentically convey both the charm and the ache of illusion.
For more information about Sadie Brown, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sadie Brown’s “Counterfeit“ on Spotify.
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