Los Angeles rapper Naeem — f.k.a. Spank Rock — has announced plans for a new record with a host of collaborators, including Bon Iver's Justin Vernon and Swamp Dogg on a track titled "Simulation" that arrives today. The record, titled Startisha, arrives via Vernon's label, 37d03d, on June 12.
"Simulation" is the lead single (following the teaser release of "You and I") from the artist's new record, and it arrives alongside a physical distance-approved new video directed by Scott J. Ross. The clip was filmed with zero physical contact and with appropriate PPE used where necessary.
Here's what Naeem had to say about the track:
I had been reading a few books, such as Trickster Makes This World: Mischief, Myth, And Art, and they helped me solidify feelings I've had all of my life about surviving a society of institutions that presents fictions as fact, and often use these fictions to diminish my worth, or to convince me to join their gangs. I wrote this song to remind myself, and hopefully, everyone that hears it, that nothing is real, and our greatest defense in this life is our own creativity, and finding great faith in whatever sigils and icons we choose to guide us.
In a statement, Vernon added, "I've been really blessed to have Naeem come into my life because of the wonderful events of the first PEOPLE event in Berlin at the Michelberger Hotel. He has become a great friend and I've gone back now since meeting him and seen what true mark he left on the city of Baltimore and its music scene today. I feel very thankful to have been a part of the making of this record."
Startisha marks Naeem's first foray back into music since rebranding under his new name. You may recognize the moniker from Bon Iver's i,i hit single, "Naeem."
Watch the video for "Simulation" below, where you can also find the tracklisting for Startisha.
Startisha:
1. You And I
2. Simulation" ft. Swamp Dogg & Justin Vernon
3. Let Us Rave ft. Velvet Negroni
4. Woo Woo Woo ft. Amanda Blank & Micah James
5. Us
6. Stone Harbor
7. Right Here
8. Startisha
9. Tiger Song
"Simulation" is the lead single (following the teaser release of "You and I") from the artist's new record, and it arrives alongside a physical distance-approved new video directed by Scott J. Ross. The clip was filmed with zero physical contact and with appropriate PPE used where necessary.
Here's what Naeem had to say about the track:
I had been reading a few books, such as Trickster Makes This World: Mischief, Myth, And Art, and they helped me solidify feelings I've had all of my life about surviving a society of institutions that presents fictions as fact, and often use these fictions to diminish my worth, or to convince me to join their gangs. I wrote this song to remind myself, and hopefully, everyone that hears it, that nothing is real, and our greatest defense in this life is our own creativity, and finding great faith in whatever sigils and icons we choose to guide us.
In a statement, Vernon added, "I've been really blessed to have Naeem come into my life because of the wonderful events of the first PEOPLE event in Berlin at the Michelberger Hotel. He has become a great friend and I've gone back now since meeting him and seen what true mark he left on the city of Baltimore and its music scene today. I feel very thankful to have been a part of the making of this record."
Startisha marks Naeem's first foray back into music since rebranding under his new name. You may recognize the moniker from Bon Iver's i,i hit single, "Naeem."
Watch the video for "Simulation" below, where you can also find the tracklisting for Startisha.
Startisha:
1. You And I
2. Simulation" ft. Swamp Dogg & Justin Vernon
3. Let Us Rave ft. Velvet Negroni
4. Woo Woo Woo ft. Amanda Blank & Micah James
5. Us
6. Stone Harbor
7. Right Here
8. Startisha
9. Tiger Song