6LACK Umi Says
To mark Juneteenth, 6LACK put his own take on Mos Def’s 90s empowerment anthem.
Mos Def released “Umi Says” in 1999, a song about speaking and living your truth because life is unpredictable and tomorrow may never arrive.
In the four-minute song, he chose an uplifting, soulful cadence to convey his point.
Mos Def, whose real name is Dante Terrell Smith, shouted positivity over his people at the end of the song, saying, “I want black people to be free.”
As a result, it was the ideal music to be reworked and included in Apple Music’s 2022 Freedom Songs.
In honor of Juneteenth, the streaming platform has offered some exclusive music from black musicians that speaks to the celebration, both original and covers.
“Umi Says” was reimagined by 6LACK.
He used the same beat in his version, but at a slower tempo, giving it a jazzier flavor.
His mesmerizing voice sang over the track, repeating the original lyrics.
In the first verse, he added his own words, adding, “I swear it hurts me to watch my people not shine.
If you’re going to have a light, make it a bright one.
Remember how they attempted to keep me hidden?”
Listen to this song on SAHipHopZA Today.
