Photo by Kenia Thompson
Hip hop is all encompassing. It's a combination of everything... At its best, it's an art form.
What's Going On?
Armed with a encyclopedic knowledge of hip hop, Aden Darity melds contemporary politics with old school influences on his first solo album, Future: Tense. Darity cites Marvin Gaye’s What’s going on as perfect in every way and his other influences include a diversity of musical and lyrical talent including Curtis Mayfield, Sade, The Roots , Outkast Big Punisher, Trick Daddy and MC Lyte. On his album he embodies the same mix of ideas that make up his playlist: merging contemporary political viewpoints with an old school flow. His lyrics are subtle though he continually punctuates some of the more unpalatable portions of a theme with clever word play and infuses them with his vicious sense of humor. As one can imagine, with any artist with a strong sense of history, Darity’s cynicism over music today and American politics would bleed into his work and create something of a mess. Fortunately for us any cynicism only shades a colorful blend of politically charged lyrics, laidback beats and confident steady delivery. Check out the rough cut of Nathan and witness some history in the making.
The Porch talks hip-hop and personal politics with Aden Darity.
The Porch talks hip-hop and personal politics with Aden Darity.
How did the album title come about?
The album title came about a couple years ago in response to the socio-political climate in this country. In recent months it's become even more fitting. Several of the songs comment on this.
What are the main themes of the album?
The album both addresses the concerns of the times in terms of race and class as well as the fact that while times are wild you still have to go out sometimes and have some fun and cast your worries aside.
What has been the most trying moment of making the cd?
The last couple months with the album almost done have been tough. I'm so eager to get it out there and let people hear it!
What have been the best moments you have had?
Working with some talented artists and getting to develop a working chemistry with my producer, Sneaky Pete.
Would you classify the album as hip-hop? Are such classifications becoming arcane (you mentioned with Pierce [Frelon of Langauage Arts] that there is maybe still no strict criteria for a song/album to be considered hip-hop)?
The album is hip hop and soul and I expect that my future music will continue to be more and more genre-bending.
The album title came about a couple years ago in response to the socio-political climate in this country. In recent months it's become even more fitting. Several of the songs comment on this.
What are the main themes of the album?
The album both addresses the concerns of the times in terms of race and class as well as the fact that while times are wild you still have to go out sometimes and have some fun and cast your worries aside.
What has been the most trying moment of making the cd?
The last couple months with the album almost done have been tough. I'm so eager to get it out there and let people hear it!
What have been the best moments you have had?
Working with some talented artists and getting to develop a working chemistry with my producer, Sneaky Pete.
Would you classify the album as hip-hop? Are such classifications becoming arcane (you mentioned with Pierce [Frelon of Langauage Arts] that there is maybe still no strict criteria for a song/album to be considered hip-hop)?
The album is hip hop and soul and I expect that my future music will continue to be more and more genre-bending.
