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John Legend Says Lil Wayne Is In “The Sunken Place”
It’s officially Election Day in the United States Of America, and by the end of the night, either Joe Biden or Donald Trump will be the President. For many, the outcome is as high-stakes as they come. Anxiety has reached a feverish high, with fear of widespread protests transpiring regardless of the results. For the most part, a score of musicians and celebrities have come forward with endorsements for Biden — at least, in public. Others have made their Trump loyalties known, with rappers like Lil Wayne, Kodak Black, and Lil Pimp tossing their red hats into the ring.
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Last night, John Legend held it down with a performance at Joe Biden’s final campaign rally. No stranger to voicing his political takes, Legend made sure to offer some thoughts on his fellow musicians, as well as those emboldened by some of Trump’s more negative qualities. “Now, some people see the meanness, the bullying, the selfishness of Donald Trump and they mistake it for strength, a kind of twisted masculinity,” says Legend. “Some see his greed and they mistake it for being good at business.”
“Some of your former favorite rappers have been taken in by these lies,” he continues, a clear allusion to Lil Wayne; last we checked, Lil Pimp hardly fit the mold of anyone’s favorite rapper. “I think they even founded a new supergroup, it’s called The Sunken Place. But Trump’s Platinum Plan for Black folks is nothing but fool’s gold, because you can’t bank on a word he says. Ask the students of Trump University. Ask all of the contractors he stiffed. Ask people his charity was supposed to help before it was shut down for being a fraud. Ask all the Black and Brown Americans who are dying from this virus and losing their jobs under his watch.”
It should be noted that Legend and Wayne have worked together in the past, having previously connected on Tha Carter IV’s “So Special.” It’s not the first time he watched a collaborator endorse Donald Trump, with Kanye West having notoriously boarded the Trump train prior to his own political ambitions. And while Legend did not call out Weezy by name, it’s abundantly clear as to whom he’s speaking on. Though to be fair, it’s possible he was alluding to 50 Cent and Ice Cube, though neither of them has stood firmly behind either party.
Check out Legend’s speech below, and sound off — do you think it’s counterproductive to equate hip-hop’s Trump supporters to Jordan Peele’s racially driven body-horror classic?
Artist Spotlight
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.
Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.
The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.
The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.
The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.
Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
Artist Spotlight
Deaf Radio returning to a place that feels familiar but has changed on “No Place Like Home”
Deaf Radio offers a deeply affecting experience with “No Place Like Home,” a haunting meditation on grief, memory, and the enduring connection between family and place. Rather than a story of loss, the song invites listeners into the emotional experience of returning to a place that feels familiar but has changed.
It’s an open letter to the people, the moments that used to make home. It captures the unsettling experience of walking into a house where everything is still there, the clothes, the scents, the light streaming through the windows, but the person who gave those details meaning is gone. There is only a lingering ache that fills every room.
It’s a complex emotional journey that runs just under eight minutes in “No Place Like Home.” Its structure does not allow for repetition, each section uncovering another layer of feeling. The song begins with a hushed looping arpeggio and the striking line “your tough mother’s love”, immediately setting a deeply personal tone. From there, it spills out into spare, humane verses before exploding into ninety seconds of crushing guitars and feedback that feel like grief breaking through emotional constraint.
Connect with Deaf Radio on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube
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