Rapper, producer, singer and general Renaissance man Yamin Semali recently announced a new project and has hit us with his first video release since last year’s “Land of Passion.” The track and video, appropriately called “Sugar & Salt,” is the first single from the new collaborative effort Monday/Friday, which features Semali on the mic and local beatsmith Illastrate handling the production.
Semali provides the tone within the first few seconds of the song: “You know, some people say life is great. Some people say life sucks. And they’re both right.” At its core, the track is the about the highs and lows we all must go through and the struggles that seem to pile on and burden our everyday existence. If that seems a tad dark and existential, don’t worry, the duo do their best to keep the atmosphere optimistic. Illastrate’s production is smooth like satin briefs as cornet horn melodies contribute to the mellow beat and bass line in the background. Still, Monday/Friday don’t want you to mistake their positivity for naivety or ignorance. There’s much work to be done, and only those willing to grind and push forward make it through. The song and production won’t break the fourth dimension in hip-hop, but it’s a nice breather from the usual, rehashed circus acts that gets embraced by the national media as Atlanta rap.
As for the video, the focus is a down-on-his-luck pizza deliver guy (played by Semali and Ilastrate’s fellow Working Class Music Group artist Bright Son) who catches flack from his boss (the always hysterical 4-Ize) and life in general. We see his fortune turn from bad to worse during every featured frame, yet he still keeps his head up and hustles door to door to make sure his obligations are reconciled—even if the results are less than desirable.
Watch/listen above.
Monday/Friday will celebrate the release of their debut LP on Sat., Aug. 15 at 529. Supporting them will be Binkis Recs, Dirty Rotten (Joe Stu & Shred TVT). Cornbread and DJ Nervex. Advance tickets are $8 or $15 with a CD. FREE entry available with a purchase of $40 or more during the July Working Class Music fundraiser.
More Info
Bandcamp: workingclassmusicgroup.bandcamp.com
Facebook: @MondayFridayMusic