False Prophets by Blaq Medici x Agallah The Don

 

The first single off Blaq Medici's upcoming album "Alessandro".

The history of slavery in Puerto Rico is a profound aspect of its colonial past, reflecting broader patterns of exploitation and resistance that have shaped the island's culture. Initially, the Spanish crown, who were the first to colonize Puerto Rico, implemented the encomienda system which granted Spanish settlers control over indigenous populations. However, as the indigenous people declined due to disease and many other harsh conditions, the Spanish then turned increasingly to African slaves. By the early 16th century, African slaves began to be imported to Puerto Rico, marking the start of a significant African presence on the island. 

The inhumane system of slavery has had a lasting impact on Puerto Rican society, and the African presence in Puerto Rico has significantly influenced its cultural and social fabric, contributing to a rich and diverse heritage. Afro-Puerto Rican culture, including music and dance, reflects the enduring influence of enslaved Africans and their descendants: the first generations of Puerto Ricans. Understanding this history is crucial for appreciating Puerto Rico's cultural richness and social complexities.

Brooklyn, New York's Agallah The Don, revered hip-hop veteran of Puerto Rican descent felt compelled to deliver "False Prophets", a factual opus and music video recounting the ugly history of slavery in Puerto Rico, teaming up with ascending UK-producer Blaq Medici for this vivid audio-visual report. Blaq Medici's entrancing production serves as the perfect backdrop for Agallah's potent verbal potion, which flows superbly with the accompanying Blaq Medici-directed visuals. When speaking about "False Prophets", Blaq Medici explained, "This is history via the medium of Hip-Hop. We wanted to make a track with a message and create a really visceral audiovisual experience and I think we did that." Agallah then added on, declaring, "I represent my people to the fullest. Puerto Ricans are the culture and it's time to stop the debate. We are a people of the African diaspora just like other nations of the Caribbean and South America. Know what I'm saying is the truth, even if it hurts some who are ignorant of their own history, because we are all descendants of Africa and make no mistake on that."

"False Prophets" is out now via UK imprint Maison de Funk and marks the first single from Blaq Medici's upcoming album "Alessandro", the score to the as-yet unmade biopic of Alessandro de Medici, featuring a multitude of guest emcees from both the US and UK, due out this fall.