Raw Poetic - "Open Roads"
Photo by Earl Davis
Raw Poetic (real name Jason Moore) is creating some of the most unique hip hop out there today while still staying firmly in the genre. His latest single, "Open Roads," is less jazzy than his collaborative album with Archie Shepp and Damu the Fudgemunk, but it's still much more jazz than your standard hip hop. This is experimental hip hop that is still going to work for those with more mainstream tastes. It also has this uplifting vibe that we used to get with artists like PM Dawn or Arrested Development. And then there's Raw Poetic's flow, which is both smooth and abrupt at the same time. This is the kind of hip hop that can bring former hip hop heads back to the style.
Jason Moore says of his new song:
“‘See I never see them elite,’ are the first lyrics on the song. My mother always said she never liked people who think they are better than her. And neither do I. So it was my way of telling everyone who hears it, we are all allowed to have a voice. I was creating an open road for me to travel. Sound like no one, be yourself, and do what you feel. And so the journey begins."
You can listen to "Open Roads" below. Laminated Skies is due out March 18 on Def Presse, and can be pre-ordered/pre-saved here. For more on Raw Poetic, check out the artist's website.