On the 18th of June 2013, J.Cole, Kanye West and Mac Miller all dropped projects that set the pace for mid-millennial rap. When asked about his decision to go head to head with a heavyweight like Kanye by releasing his project on the same day, J.Cole responded that his move was statement and not sales inspired. On the Kendrick Lamar assisted Forbidden Fruit, he had this to say about the project “Imma drop the album the same day as Kanye, just to show the boys the man now like Wanya.” Six years later, Rap sensation Blaqbonez resurrects this move as himself and Kanye gear up to project releases in different parts of the world tomorrow. Being a creative who stays true to his roots, Blaqbonez also opts for Cole’s words on the ‘Letter to Kanye’ tagged Jesus Is Black (Letter To Kanye West).
“Tell Kanye to move his date” are the first six words Blaqbones utters on this otherwise absurd single that paves the way for a slew of carefully curated punchlines that inspire introspection and precede awe. Coupled with his comical performance in the accompanying makeshift video, Blaqbonez’s confidence is all too organic which increases as he goes to take on a different subject in the single’s second part; a clinical but biting expository on Dremo.
It’s very easy to miss the metaphorical theme of Jesus Is Black (Letter To Kanye West) but by all indications starting with jabs thrown at Kanye is only scratching the surface of Blaqbonez’ deep-rooted issue with those who think themselves as equals.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egKiv8Ej0ww]
