Photo Courtesy of Beth Taye
By Micah Jacks
In recent months, politics have become unavoidable in everyday life. Many people all over the globe have found themselves protesting racial injustices in various ways such as protests, legislation, and even art. The Black Creatures’ new single “Wretched (It Goes)” comes as no exception, expanding the collection of outspoken musicians that have long been found in Hip-Hop. The duo of black artists, Jade Green and Xavier, based in Kansas City, come together in production and vocals to create a sound that calls upon the likes of the genre in its 1990s greatness. Record scratches, piano keys, and synthesized beats make melodies and cadences inspired by Erykah Badu carry such a passionate and charged song with steady strength. Lyrically, “Wretched” is incredibly dense. The chorus harmonizes, “We are the wretched of the earth; we don’t benefit society cause they don’t see our worth,” as The Black Creatures bring attention to black lives being seen as lesser than others’ lives, just as they were more than 400 years ago. The artists also point out the comfortability with the previous idea that society has gotten accustomed to with the line, “It don’t make sense, Stockholm syndrome of this intolerance.” They also assert that recycling and regenerating the same systems that continue to oppress is simply not an option when they say, “When broken bones set wrong, the only healing comes when you break it again.” The Black Creatures take their musical talents and use them in such a way that forces listeners to not only tap their foot to a catchy tune, but pay attention and feel something about what is going on in the world around them. Tackling fascism, police brutality, and the deep-rooted effects of slavery in a rhythmic fashion is one thing. Simultaneously making it a good listen is another. However, The Black Creatures make it happen.