The White Mandingos
The Ghetto is Tryna Kill Me
Fat Beats Records
Street: 06.11
The White Mandingos = Murs + Bad Brains
Creativity and storytelling are the focal points in this experimental album. Murs, Darryl Jenifer of Bad Brains and Sacha Jenkins have collaborated and mashed genres together to create music like I had never heard before. The narrative focuses on Tyrone White, a rock music obsessed young man fronting a band from a housing project in Harlem. The details of his struggle to succeed and find happiness center mostly on racial issues, love and judgment from his community for the type of music he plays. Hardcore punk and rap come together perfectly on “Warn a Brotha,” “Wesley Snipes” and “What You Waitin’ On?” A cover of Minor Threat’s “Guilty of Being White” is even included to further the social statements on the record by stark contrast to their message. Since the first play, I haven’t stopped listening to this album on repeat. Every time I do, I come away with a different perspective and a fresh attitude. –LeAundra Jeffs