Watch Common's Powerful Video for 'Black America Again' Featuring Stevie Wonder
Common delivers yet another powerful single.
Shortly after unveiling “Lovestar,” the Chicago MC unleashes an evocative new song and thought-provoking visual for “Black America Again,” the title track off his upcoming 11th studio album.
Over a jazz-infused instrumental by Karriem Riggins and Robert Glasper, Common raps about current events while making historical connections.
“Here we go again,” he rhymes. “Trayvon will never grow to be an older man / Black children, they childhood stole from them / Robbed of our names and our language, stole again.”
The visual makes some of those same references, with footage from Alton Sterling’s murder at the hands of police to stunning portraits of black men, women, and children shedding tears.
“Black America Again” features a host of A-List stars in relatively minor roles. Stevie Wonder plays the keys, Esperanza Spalding rocks the bass, J Rock handles scratches, and Chuck D and MC Lyte provide ad libs.
Due later this year, Black America Again is also set to feature Anderson .Paak, The Internet, John Legend, Bilal, Jay Electronica, and more. “Lovestar,” also expected to land on the LP, features Marsha Ambrosius and PJ.
Speaking with Complex, the Oscar-winning rapper said he was inspired by the way art is being appreciated these days.
“I was inspired by people enjoying art, art being successful,” he said, “whether it was Kendrick’s album, the play Hamilton, Chance, Ta-Nehisi Coate’s book Between the World and Me, people seem like they’re appreciating and they’re open to different types of art.”