With Molombo's latest release, "FEED THE RICH," the Congolese-American artist flips the protest script, torching complacency marinated in a pop-rap rebel anthem that's as challenging in sound as it is in concept. Born from spiritual inquiry and cultural provocation, "FEED THE RICH" does that trick of delivering a charged message in a suave, midtempo setting that makes you bid your head yes while your brain says no. Molombo is not trying to be another voice in the crowd. He constructs his own flag literally.
With a vision of a "U.S.S.A." (United Socialist States of America) in mind, the song's cover art reimagines our nation's flag into one that truly represents real diversity. It's Molombo's way of inviting us to wonder, "What would our flag look like if it truly reflected our diversity?" A product of Colorado and African and American backgrounds, Molombo is one of the few storytellers who blend storytelling with sentiment, unlike many acts in today's conscious hip-hop realm. "FEED THE RICH" is his least timid statement yet, as he makes space for a melodic flow that doesn't move counter to action, his rebellion now rings with motivation, without, remarkably, ever sounding preachy.
Working with his foundational producer HYDoThat (Sweeney), Molombo lets his lyrical bite shine while refining it in the quality control department, aiming to create good music that he just so happens to have made with his mate. Molombo's influences, from Linkin Park's emotional urgency to Kanye West's genre-hopping audacity, pulsate through the song. There are shimmering melodic hints of Owl City's synth-pop sparkle, the punk snarl of Bowling For Soup, maybe a touch of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION's raw power. "FEED THE RICH" challenges you to dance with all your heart, resist authority, and dream of a world rebuilt. Molombo launched a movement, one 808 at a time.
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