Introducing Kemba today, a prolific New York Emcee who used to roam the Bronx in a past life as YC the Cynic. He recently ditched that name for the much easier to name-drop Kemba instead. Resetting his creative direction at the same time and coming back in a big way front and center with a rather politically charged weapon of mass destruction. Here, is “The New Black Theory”, preceding and giving us a sweet appetizer of what is sure to be a well received new album called ‘Negus’… out on July 22nd.
Born, raised and heavily rooted in the Bronx, Kemba’s background in rap started at an early age, formerly known as YC the Cynic, the emcee ‘outgrew the name completely’ he says.
I’ve been YC since I was 12 years old,” he says. “I outgrew it. I was limited by the sort of Golden Era brand that I built as YC the Cynic. Now I’m able to let my true inspirations and influences show through melody as well. Starting new as Kemba feels like the next step in my evolution.
I’ve been YC since I was 12 years old,” he says. “I outgrew it. I was limited by the sort of Golden Era brand that I built as YC the Cynic. Now I’m able to let my true inspirations and influences show through melody as well. Starting new as Kemba feels like the next step in my evolution.Influenced by contemporaries like Pharrell Williams, Mos Def and Goodie Mob, Kemba isn’t afraid of saying it like it truly is and address issues of our modern times. The first single off “Negus” does just that and more, it’s called “The New Black theory” and cuts through any crap lying around right to the essential lines.
The song is inspired by this empty distinction between marginalized people and the undertones of victim-blaming, while also speaking about respectability politics: the theory that conforming to more mainstream sensibilities will stop black people from being harassed by police, women harassed by men, etc. The single artwork is just as controversial.
It’s a refreshing spin as you hit play. Produced by Franck Drake, the track samples a famous bar from 2Pac’s “Dear Mama” and incorporates the theory and term “The New Black” made popular by Pharrell saying that “The New Black doesn’t blame other races for our issues. The New Black dreams and realizes that it’s not a pigmentation; it’s a mentality.”
“Negus”, Kemba debut album under this new moniker, will drop on July 22nd. Listen to the this brilliant track “The New Black Theory” below :
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