Written by Miles Monroe II
Featured in this video:
Rahiem Taylor of Blac Rabbit
Imani Wj Wright
Grayson Jones
Miles Monroe II
From their humble beginnings, playing Beatles covers in the subways of New York, Blac Rabbit has amassed a cult following as anticipation for their album, Intersella, builds.
The times we are in today call for the artist to be more vocal. I understand everyone will not have the same opinion, but there should be a consensus answer towards social injustice. Music is the one thing that connects people of all races and social classes. It has a healing power that can spark the idea for change. Even if the content doesn’t necessarily pertain to the matter at hand, the artists’ beliefs are what we care about right now. SwanoDown had had an opportunity to speak with Rahiem Taylor, 1/4 of Black Rabbit about Social Justice, and their art.
Rahiem says:
“The ultimate goal, to me, is taking a stand of being [pro] peace rather than being anti [something] or against something, I think you automatically [become] more powerful."
“My Mom always likes to say, 'It’s egos and it’s the death throes.' Meaning the Ego knows it’s on the verge of getting kicked out, like we are about to kick out all these old ways of thinking, so as a last survival mechanism, those old ways [of thinking] are like. 'No, no, no, we (Racial Injustice) are, going to do everything we can to keep you down right now. But, it’s not going to last."
For Blac Rabbit, their story is one that has been profiled on a nationally syndicated talk show and one that is reminiscent of the struggle that plagues African Americans today. To gain the attention our talents warrant, we must go to extreme lengths to be seen.
Especially in a niche genre like psychedelic rock, Blac Rabbit is on the path to becoming a household name in due time. Twin Brothers, Amiri and Rahiem Taylor, are making history as one of the few African American rock bands. They use their influence from The Beatles to create their own unique sound that is just as entertaining and addictive.
Rahiem Taylor told SwanoDown:
“Our whole inspiration behind writing original music, like a lot of our musical [inspiration], obviously comes from the Beatles.”
“It was just so incredibly surreal, to be sitting in that chair. I don’t think I realized exactly what happened, what was going on fully like my brain hadn’t even fully processed it until seconds before we got on stage. Amiri and [i] were kinda nervous and one of the stage hands was like, “Just so you know, you'll be playing in front 4 million people today. No pressure”. [laughs] ….
Playing Ellen was just so, such a weird and unconventional, but highly beneficial step for us, as a band. “
Rahiem elaborated on their unique “grind it out” story and how they adjusted to becoming more known after performing on television. The ride for this band is just getting started, in what will be a long and fruitful career.
For the interview in its entirety, ciick the link below:
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CEKqNCWnM8k/?igshid=ztfwu5g6rcai
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