We’re yet again at a crucial juncture in American history where our rights are once again at stake. At times like these, we must come together in order for our voices to be heard and change to be made. It’s also a time for artists to make powerful statements that speak truth to power. Singer-songwriter and SoulBounce mainstay Nicholas Ryan Gant steps to the moment with the release of his KAMAUU-featuring new single “Just Us.”
Nicholas — who is working on his upcoming album Restore after releasing previous singles “Heal The Land” and “Confidence Key” — describes “Just Us” as a requiem, and it’s an apt description. He and producer Mikey Freedom Hart carefully craft a choral soundscape, with the vocals weaving together to provide a soft place for his urgent message to land. NRG speaks to the realities and evils of police brutality, bigotry and greed, diagnosing the ills but also giving us a possible solution on the chorus. “There ain’t no justice / All we got is us / We don't need justice / All we need is us,” he sings.
KAMAUU offers up his own words of wisdom with a poetic verse that speaks to the theme. It also calls us to action, leaving us with the message, “I know you’re tired, I’m tired, we’re tied together / But if we put our eyes together the odds are better.”
For the song’s video, the two stage a candlelight vigil as they bring together the community for both remembrance and unity. As the pair perform, they’re surrounded by others (including yours truly in the number) clad in all-white as their candles light the night sky. The visual is simple in its approach, but its sentiment is deeply felt.
Nicholas Ryan Gant and KAMAUU strike a chord with “Just Us” and we hope that it continues to ignite the fire in all of us as we prepare for the fight ahead. Listen to the song and watch its moving visual below.
