By Grant Golden
July 28, 2021
Since their 2016 debut Sopadelic, Young Bull’s been on a steady rise in both the regional and national scene. Amassing millions of streams on Spotify alone, the soulful hip-hop collective has shared bills with iconic acts like Erykah Badu, Miguel and Anderson .Paak. But throughout their career Young Bull has never sounded as polished and poised as they do on their latest single “Black Crown,” the lead-in single for their forthcoming album, Windows.
Trading in their loose, jazzy song structures, “Black Crown” boasts booming 808s and brash percussive beats while still showcasing an impeccable sense of melody. Mique, Solomon Fox and Christian Sinclair all shine in their own respects, which highlights the cohesiveness and diversity of each artist’s talents.
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Both Mique and Solomon Fox debuted solo projects in 2020 and those sonic directions guide “Black Crown” and Young Bull into a compelling new territory. Fox’s production blends heavy low end with ambient croons and reverb-soaked ad libs, while Mique brings trap-leaning cadences and a smooth dub-inspired hook. Add in Sinclair’s trademark biting rhymes and clever wordplay and “Black Crown” serves as one of the most compelling new Carolina tracks of the year.
As the song progresses, Mique and Sinclair trade vocal duties, each emcee weaving through with fluidity. “No more daps and pounds when you see me round town,” raps Sinclair, “cause I’m next level now.” Braggadocious lines like these are peppered throughout, serving as a testament to the group’s ever increasing acclaim. But it’s not all brags and boasts, as both Sinclair and Mique throw nods to humble upbringings.
“Bull horn blasting this is Young Bull town,” raps Mique with a slow churning drawl on the song’s hook, and if Windows is full of tracks like “Black Crown,” then it’s hard not to agree.
Listen to the new single “Black Crown” by Young Bull. Follow the group on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.
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