Amplifying Black Voices: SLUG Music Picks
National Music Reviews
For over 30 years, SLUG has championed independent and alternative music of all varieties. While we pride ourselves on discerning tastes and critical eyes, we recognize that the cultural and journalistic precedents and conventions guiding our coverage are inseparable from a national history white privilege and the silencing of Black voices—many of whom are responsible for the birth and evolution of the very styles of music we cover. For our July issue, in lieu of typical music reviews, we’re presenting a list of Black music that we admire, respect and celebrate.
Angel Bat Dawid – The Oracle
Angel-Ho – Death Becomes Her
Art Ensemble of Chicago – We Are On the Edge
Ata Kak – Obaa Sima
Benjamin Booker – Witness
Bessie Smith – The Complete Recordings
Blood Orange – Freetown Sound
Chino Amobi – Paradiso
Damon Locks Black Monument Ensemble – Where Future Unfolds
D’Angelo – Brown Sugar
ESG – Step Off
Death – Spiritual • Mental • Physical
Denzel Curry – Imperial
Digable Planets – Blowout Comb
Hook – Crashed My Car
Jamila Woods – LEGACY! LEGACY!
Jon Bap – Yesterday’s Homily
Klein – Lifetime
Lijadu Sisters – Horizon Unlimited
London O’Connor – O∆
Lorine Chia – Sweet Noise
M.A.G.S. – M.A.G.S.
Mary Lou Williams – Zodiac Suite
Memphis Minnie – Down Home Girl
Milo – So the Flies Don’t Come
Nicole Mitchell and Moor Mother – Offering
Noname – Telefone
Orion Sun – A Collection of Fleeting Moments and Daydreams
Phony Ppl – Phonyland
Robert Johnson – The Complete Recordings
Roscoe Mitchell – Sound
Serengeti – Dennehy
Shabaka and the Ancestors – We Are Sent Here By History
Starchild & The New Romantic – Language
Sudan Archives – Sink
A Tribe Called Quest – We got it from Here… Thank You 4 Your service
Tyler Holmes – DEVIL
William Onyeabor – Who is William Onyeabor?
Womack & Womack – Conscience
