Christmas is only days away and while many are knee deep into the holiday spirit, there are others (like this writer) who are having more than a little trouble finding something to cheer about as we stare down the barrel of a Trump presidency, terrorist attacks and repeated instances of police brutality. Well, Black Spade is here with a song for those of us who are struggling to find hope in what feels like the bleakest of days.
"Untitled Christmas Song" captures the doubt and uncertainty of today's times while managing to serve as the pep talk we all need. Featuring bits and pieces of the melody from "Christmas Time is Here" from A Charlie Brown Christmas, the song finds Black Spade discussing everything from the recent presidential election to society's attempt to dull our shine. "They rather see a n***a take the low road / They rather see my n***a shuck and jivin' on the low low/ What have I done to you?" he asks in what sounds like a mixture of defiance and weariness. However, in the midst of it all, hope and encouragement still reign supreme as he repeats the refrain, "Hang on and be strong my people," several times. Reflective, melancholy and sprinkled with a dash of optimism, "Untitled Christmas Song" is for those of us trying to fight back despair at a time when humanity seems to be running low.
The song marks the first new music we've heard from Black Spade since 2010's Build and Destroy. It also serves as a reminder that even when it seems that the world is out to get us, we can be our own best cheerleaders, providing the encouragement and necessary push to keep on keepin' on.