Once again we’ve been reminded that Jamila Woods’ art is truly a gift. Preparing for the release of her upcoming album, LEGACY! she offered listeners a striking visual representation of her second single, “Zora”.
An accomplished poet and writer, Woods has a distinct knack for theme. She doesn’t miss it here, either. Working alongside frequent collaborators VAM Studio, who she’s concepted videos for “Holy” and “LSD” with, Woods is immediately at home. Her latest project is a realistic outgrowth for the work we’ve come to know her for. LEGACY! is a collective ode to the black singers and performers who set the stage on which Woods now plies her trade. “Zora” named for writer Zora Neale Hurston. This is far from a new thematic for Woods, who is herself part of a thick local lineage of talented women of color putting pen to paper. Her music has always held a subtle rebelliousness that can be lost in the harmonic tones of her vocals. The chorus from “Blk Girl Soldier” on her album, HEAVN reflects that:
“Rosa was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Ella was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Audre was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Angela was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Sojourner was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Assata was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Rosa was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight
Ella was a freedom fighter
And she taught us how to fight”
On her latest, Jamila Woods continues to ensure that those who came before her won’t be forgotten. And in the process of doing so, neither will she. Dive in above and keep an eye out for the album coming soon.