Music / News
Bristol musician and poet releases anti-racist album
Figure of Speech lowers his eyes in contemplation on one side of his new album and on the other side has a wide grin.
It’s a way of saying that this eponymous album is both thoughtful and joyous.
The Manchester-born and Bristol-based musician and poet says that it’s an anti-racist album, influenced by a rap he wrote shortly before the murder of George Floyd and which he shared online on the day that the statue of Edward Colston was toppled.
is needed now More than ever
“Around that time as well I was sharing a lot of personal experiences,” Figure of Speech told the Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast.
Made with producer Boca45, Figure of Speech’s album – released independently and pressed on limited edition yellow vinyl – confronts themes including racism, reparations and the pandemic.
Described by Mojo as “sparkling with old school charm”, it was recently named by Hip Hop Golden Age as one of their best albums of 2021.
Hear more from Figure of Speech on the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
“It is an anti-racist album. Obviously that’s going to mean different things to different people. For me, it’s just about speaking my truth, sharing my experiences.
“But obviously, no doubt I’m going to be biased towards what I think and you’re going to hear bit of my political views come through…
“I always consider myself an MC. I come from a hip-hop background. It’s about skills, content, rhythm, flow.
“This album was a slight departure. It was less lyrical acrobatics, more about opening up.”
Main photo: Figure of Speech
Read more: A day of new DJs on Noods Radio
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
