“And if I
if I ever let love go
because the hatred and the whisperings
become a phantom dictate I o-
bey in lieu of impulse and realities
(the blossoming flamingos of my
wild mimosa trees)
then let love freeze me
out.I must become
June Jordan
I must become a menace to my enemies.”
Surprise! The gods have declared that rap rock is here to stay. Blending poetry, goofiness, rage, love, nu-grunge, and funk metal, LUGGAGE N’ UMBRAGE: The Skeebo Sides is the latest EP by SF queer artist collective COMMANDO. In addition to the brilliant June Jordan inspiration, there are whispers of Gil Scott-Heron, Rick Rubin, and even a little local-grown Primus ridiculousness. Expect heavy headbanging, twisters of intertwined tempos, and bizarre but prescient lyricism. Is San Francisco circling back to a psychedelic revival, but this time bigger and more inclusive than the white suburban hippies? Sounds like it.