"and protests calling out systemic racism not just in the police force "

This hard. I've seen so many people protesting and taking to social media who don't seem to have a clue what the real underlying problems are in America that perpetuate these problems. Inaccessibility of education and major class disparity are hugely important to examine. I wish peoole focused more on these things instead of acting like the police and America in general is bubbling over with racism. America needs massive socioeconomic changes. Also agreed that this is a poor record to unify people and kind of a pr stunt, but if peoole are digging it then all the power to them. I personally don't get the hype behind these guys

Album Rating: 4.5

"I wish peoole focused more on these things instead of acting like the police and America in general is bubbling over with racism."



Wtf

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

It's a start going with the cops because in a way they're the fence holding behind them those halting actual change happening. Education and class disparity is a big thing for sure but they've sprayed children with mace, get sent out to target people by how they look and bs statistics to perpetuate harm in poorer neighborhoods. If their slow poison won't get you their state dogs will.

Album Rating: 4.0

It's only a "pr stunt" because you don't like it

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

"kind of a pr stunt"



explain gyro I wanna hear your side of it

Album Rating: 4.5

out of sight is a fucking bop

Album Rating: 4.5

I actually disagree with it being a PR stunt as this album was in the works long before the Floyd protests, but what you said about inaccessibility of education and major class disparity is pretty much right.

I just mean that this was released early and it's also free, right? Now Idk, maybe their other albums were free too, in which case my statement is invalid, and if not, then it seems like a potentially huge way to break further into the mainstream because of how clearly racially charged some of the lyrics are and the current climate of America. Their stock should increase because of this

Album Rating: 4.0

I think RtJ3 was free and released early at Christmas because 'why not?' plus they did the silly free 'cat remix' album to amuse their fans



I'd take it as a genuine gesture - these boys are good eggs in my book

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

it's how chan said prior: "the album was recorded prior to recent events and as tectactoe said was due to release on friday anyway. it's inevitable to treat it as totemic given the circumstances but i don't think the impulse is incorrect. but i suppose it's easier to say that it is if you don't like the music itself."



and they have of releasing their albums for free, I know at least their debut was. considering how also RTJ3 was around when BLM was active cuz of the murders, the group is as relevant as the protest music was for the 60s. and bruh if anyone has a problem with that then idk what to tell them.

Album Rating: 2.0

"I sort of get that this feels commodified, therefore less authentic, but these guys come from such modest backgrounds that I can't help but get on board. Current events aside, it's at least cool that they're saying this shit to a wide audience"



trust a fellow kiwi to pretty much nail it if you ask me!!! also yeah obviously in favour of a major overhaul involving Black/Maori access to fundamentals like healthcare, education, safe housing, sufficient food etc. and if this album does generate discussion about those essentials it's done something right; i just don't think it will target the right people, but more people who want to play bangers at gratuitously loud volumes in their work car

I don't think it's disingenuous per se, it's obviously generous to release free content that people love, it's also very timely and I think they're taking advantage of the situation a little which makes sense to do. Maybe a bit cynical of me to say, especially of their last album was free too, which I did not know

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

"I think they're taking advantage of the situation a little"

"Maybe a bit cynical of me to say"



gee ya think

Album Rating: 4.0

This was due to be released soon anyway - to NOT release it with comment would have been the stranger statement imo



Plus half the tracks on the last two albums have tackled very similar themes to 'Walking in the Snow' - there's more a case that they've been shouting this longer than most, hardly late to the party or changing to fit the situation

Album Rating: 4.5

Killer Mike is one of the main voices in Atlanta right now, and releasing this further solidifies his message. It's no surprise that he used this time to put out this music because he wants to give the people something to enjoy in a time where there seems to be no joy. I'd perceive that more as admirable than opportunistic.

Album Rating: 4.0

[2]

Well like I said it makes sense to do it and I'm not saying they're bad people for doing it lol, I just think their stock will skyrocket from this and I think it might have been a calculated decision in addition to just being generous as hell. Me personally, I don't find it especially generous since I think it's mediocre af but the sentiment is there lmao

Album Rating: 3.5

"i just don't think it will target the right people, but more people who want to play bangers at gratuitously loud volumes in their work car"



^ i think this is a good point but wouldn't blame the album for it. think it speaks less to the album and more to the people who are listening to it



wanna be clear that i am def not targeting chan's review here - i totally get working through one's feelings on such a deep-rooted issue. i'm just not sure that white ppl listening to RTJ and understanding what's going on but not doing anything about it is a narrative that has any sort of value beyond the (very legitimate and therapeutic!) personal airing of feelings; unsure that it's a narrative that needs to be publicly offered really when there's so much to legitimately engage with here/and in life

Album Rating: 4.0

'^ i think this is a good point but wouldn't blame the album for it. think it speaks less to the album and more to the people who are listening to it'



...and Kurt Cobain hated jocks listening to his records too etc.



This is not a new phenomenon, has little to do with the work/message itself.

Album Rating: 3.0 | Sound Off

I don't think they'd be abhorrent enough to even consider it a marketing calculation when they have stake in the fight themselves