By Kennedy Cook
Alabama native Houston Kendrick gifted listeners an ethnic love ballad about the phantasmal truths privilege holds in the land of the “free” this past Juneteenth. The title of the track, “American Spirit Blues,” plays a role on several different layers, as the imagery of American Spirit Blue cigarettes drives the narrative of the story in the song while also telling the story of Kendrick’s willingness to nurture and educate those holding opportunity in this country. Kendrick’s indulgent vocals partner with a melodic guitar background to foretell the musical form that originated in his home in the Deep South of the United States —The Blues. We can trace this genre of music back to the 1870s where African-Americans combined African musical traditions, African-American work songs, and spirituals to create an emotive and timeless genus. In true Blues fashion, this song highlights the emotional tragedies that Kendrick has felt as it relates to being an LGBTQ African American male in America. He calls attention to the deliberate denial of those who hold privilege in this country: “Delusion is the love you choose, he doesn’t have too much to lose”. Here, Kendrick leaks the chosen mode of empathy towards those who have long struggled in America due to their ethnic roots. “Let me get inside of your head, I don’t want to sleep in your bed”. Kendrick wishes to educate and help foster knowledge of these many injustices, with no romantic attachment. Kendrick wishes he could hold the same freedoms and not maintain a constant sense of “wokeness” that he seemingly cannot escape. Through lyrical imagery of weaponry and the numbness it has created for Kendrick, listeners are invited into Kendrick’s vulnerable knapsack that is the current day America for LGBTQ Black Americans.