Right now, many creatives in the music industry are taking stock of whether putting their work out there is appropriate or even necessary, and music is often taken as a commodity. Yet, if this pandemic, the political atmosphere, the merciless deaths of black people at the hands of police brutality, and the raising of voices against racism, injustice and systems of oppression has taught us anything, it’s that every piece of the puzzle matters. This consideration was something that Austin-based rapper and musician MALIK went through as he approached the planned release of his single ‘Red’. Here you can find MALIK’s statement: “At one point, I felt very conflicted about having music releasing in this exact moment. Giving myself time to reflect and after speaking to several of those in my community, I’ve realized this is the voice I’ve been given. These are the gifts I have, and I should be using them. Ultimately, “Red” is how I feel, and how a lot of others feel right now. This is for those consumed with passionate rage in this moment and my hope is that this will be a purposeful amplification, not a distraction to our fight against oppression. This is about anger. Being hurt, disrespected, unaccounted for or bluntly hated sparks that fire, and “Red” is the processing of those emotions. Anger is a valid and appropriate response. This is looking at it, living with it, and walking through it. The fight internally is to not let it take over my heart. I always want to be an open and loving person, and at times anger can challenge that. But for now, this is how I feel and that’s okay.” Listen to ‘Red’ below, a fired-up piece of contemporary hip-hop with a crisp production and MALIK’s patient flow. - Hannah Thacker