TRACKS FOR THE MAX, Curated by Imani Wj Wright [Ep29]

Deveau- Pick Your Poison

I don't talk about race often in my writing, and honestly, maybe I should? Deveau gives us a look into some of the poisons that wreck the black community. He mentions Hennessy, he mentions pills- two things that are too often glorified, but not often discussed for their true destruction. Deveau says this song may "bemish his image," and talks about being a bit of an outsider due to his walk and him "talking white". At one point he says: "I guess I'm not black enough. Yeah, this shit is not adding up. Damn." That's one line that hits hard. Check this out

Jony Shelby- Ledge

This piece isn't stripped back or minimal- but honestly, it's simple. As Shelby sings, you get a real sense of "this would sound beautiful in an intimate setting." Have you ever listened to Nirvana's MTV unplugged? If you haven't put it on a good speaker, put it on in the next room over, and you'll feel like they're literally performing in the room. That's how you listening to Ledge feels. Take a listen



Rainbow City Park- Complicate This

The rawness mixed with beauty reminds me of some of Origami Angels' early work. I am immediately attached to that kind of sound. I dig how the vocals mesh witht he guitar on this track. It's not grunge, but it has the same gut-punching authenticity.
Give it a spin