THIS IS NOT AMERICA

This Is Not America” is a powerful song by Puerto Rican rapper Residente featuring the French-Cuban duo Ibeyi, released on March 17, 2022, as the second single from Residente’s much-anticipated album Las Letras Ya No Importan. Through its evocative lyrics, the song delves into a rich tapestry of various Latin American cultures, illuminating the struggles and triumphs of their peoples.

A music video was released on the same day, graphically portraying several of the lyrics in the song, as well as events that occurred on the continents during its history, such as the protests that occurred in various countries of the region.

It explores colonialism, slavery, and imperialism, highlighting historical injustices and referencing key events that encourage reflection on ongoing struggles faced by various communities around the world. Through a deep examination of these themes, it underscores the far-reaching impacts of oppressive systems that resonate in contemporary society.

It also compares with Childish Gambino’s “THIS IS AMERICA,” urging listeners to examine the contrasts between nations and the fight for identity among marginalized groups, emphasizing how art can serve as a powerful medium for social commentary and a catalyst for change, ultimately prompting a collective reckoning with the past and a vision for a more equitable future.

Residente sat down with Genius to discuss his latest hit “This is Not America,” which has been streamed over four million times on Spotify to date. The song features twin act Ibeyi, known for their unique blend of Afro-Cuban and electronic music, and is produced by Residente himself, highlighting his multifaceted talent as both a lyricist and producer. On today’s episode of Verified, find out Residente’s motivation behind the song, as he delves into the lyrical themes that resonate with social and political issues impacting today’s world. This collaboration not only showcases Residente’s commitment to artistry but also aims to inspire listeners to reflect on their own experiences.

Read more on Genius: https://genius.com/a/residente-breaks-down-the-meaning-of-this-is-not-america In this insightful analysis, you can delve deeper into the themes and messages conveyed through Residente’s powerful lyrics.

Read all the lyrics to “This is Not America” on Genius: https://genius.com/Residente-this-is-not-america-lyrics, where you’ll find a thorough breakdown of the song’s context, lyrical nuances, and the cultural significance it holds within the current socio-political landscape, allowing for a richer understanding of the artist’s intent and the broader implications of his work.

And in this interview on GOOD MORNING AMERICA, Residente discusses why he feels now is the right time to release his new single, emphasizing the importance of timely expression in his artistry.

He shares his journey of collaboration, revealing how he has been creating beats with the help of scientists who study brain patterns, allowing him to explore the deeper connections between music and human emotion. This innovative approach not only enriches his sound but also enhances the listener’s experience, as he aims to bridge the gap between art and science in his creative process.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

Well, we all know what today is. However, rather than get in a costume and go trick or treating, I’d thought I’d share with you this hilarious “Scary” video that teaches you a few survival strategies in it… well, if you can spot them.

Now, horror movies rarely take place in urban areas, and it’s no wonder why, because people from the hood have pretty good survival instincts honed by their environment, so the characters would have a pretty tough time navigating these streets. Just imagine how the classic horror movie tropes—like the hapless teenager who wanders off alone or the group that decides to investigate a strange noise—would fare in an area where quick thinking and street smarts are essential for survival.

In this video, they analyzed what would happen if they took a trip there, encountering locals who are more than capable of defending themselves against any supernatural threat. Picture this: your typical horror movie characters, armed with stereotypes and clichéd behaviors, trying to fit in while hilariously failing to understand the social cues and dynamics of the hood. So, with that being said, welcome to………… IF HORROR MOVIE CHARACTERS WENT TO THE HOOD!

 

Now truth be told, the only inaccuracy of this video that I see is the villain being Michael Myers. That dude NEVER dies. He’s been ran over, jumped by an entire neighborhood with axes and weapons, burned, AND SHOT MULTIPLE TIMES. Bro is supernatural in every sense of the word. He somehow defies all odds and conventional logic, always rising back up from the ashes, ready to wreak havoc once again.

Don’t believe me? Check it out.

 

I mean, in the context of the story, no matter what you throw at him, he just keeps coming, like an unstoppable force of nature. Imagine him trying to navigate the hood – he would stroll through, seemingly invincible, leaving everyone in sheer disbelief. The sheer idea that he would even be phased by any of the dangers found in urban settings is just absurd; he would NOT die in the hood, not when he has survived all those horrific encounters over the years. It’s almost as if the laws of physics and mortality simply do not apply to him.

Now maybe you guys out there saw some other inaccuracies, but I didn’t.

Anyway, HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!