tuneage : everyone deserves good music

Saul Williams - “Black Stacey”

Poet, rapper, and actor Williams started in the slam poetry scene in the mid 90’s but has been releasing albums of his intimately descriptive stories since 2000. His third album, the Trent Reznor produced The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of NiggyTardust!, recently made headlines for being initially released online only for $5 or $0 depending on quality 8 months before the July 8th physical release.

The self-titled second album is a lot more inconspicuous musically, but the lyrical narrative is always the major force. “Black Stacey” tells the story of a kid insecure with himself and his race growing up. The violins and flute make the end of the song perfect, but the real beauty is after telling the story he calls out everyone else for having insecurities and hiding behind them.