Don't judge me

The tease of a new FKA Twigs album has been on our mind ever since she let us in on her pandemic writing spree back in October.  And our first glimpse back into the creative genius’s sphere has arrived. The latest drop Don’t Judge Me, is a heart-wrenching look into life as the artist knows it, created alongside London rapper Headie One and producer Fred Again. The track comes as an expansion of its counter-title Judge Me, from the rapper and producer’s 2020 mixtape. Not only for your listening satisfaction, as the single also comes alongside a video directed by our beloved Emmanuel Adjei, who featured in our most recent RISE issue.  The video is a display of Black greatness and features just that; from Martine Rose fits to the amazing sculptural artwork by Kara Walker, Fons Americanus.

The piece delivers a powerful visual insight into the artist’s experience of being Black in Britain today. Revealing through movement and sound what Adjei describes as  “the invisible oppressor”, the video depicts this internal and external violence, reflecting on the idea, “Who should the victim fight if they cannot identify the culprit?” Featuring poet and Black Lives Matter activist Solomon Ob, writer Reni Eddo-Lodge, activist and model Munroe Bergdorf and many more there’s a powerful unity present and a reminder of Britain’s horrific past. Within the work, it’s clear that each individual represents their personal experience, their battle against their invisible oppressor- and even amongst differences, theirs a common shared experience.

Immerse yourself into an exemplary depiction of musical power and the differing worlds which confront us all based on delusional dimensions of right. Music is political, and art is our guide. We suggest you take in this video, it’s symbolism and its creative fire which lights up the Black experience in Britain.