Fantastic Negrito
White Jesus Black Problems
Storefront Records
For his fourth full-length album, Oakland-based Fantastic Negrito has returned with White Jesus Black Problems. Following 2020βsΒ Have You Lost Your Mind Yet, the prolific songwriter has delivered a politically and culturally charged collection of 13 songs, along with an accompanying short film of the same name. The result is an ambitious project that marks Fantastic Negrito as an essential artist of our time.
Opening with βVenomous Dogmaβ, Fantastic Negrito has immediately set White Jesus Black Problems apart from his previous releases with a hazy, psychedelic alt-pop tone that pulls inspiration from gospel, traditional African American spirituals, and metal. Even by Fantastic Negritoβs standards, βVenomous Dogmaβ is unlike anything youβve heard before. Similarly, the following track, βHighest Bidderβ takes traditional melodies and throws them together with funky rhythms and tones, making for a simple and subtle song that ebbs and flows effortlessly. Fantastic Negritoβs use and fusion of a variety of traditional and modern styles is uncanny and entirely unique. In this regard, White Jesus Black Problems is a creative power force
Without a weak moment on the album, Fantastic Negrito has found his latest sonic evolution to his distinctive sound on White Jesus Black Problems. From the β60s pop of βNibba Dipβ to the haunting swagger of βMan With No Nameβ, White Jesus Black Problems is an incredible album. In addition to the opening tracks, the up-tempo funk of βIn My Headβ, and the electronic odyssey that is βTrudooβ stand as must-hear highlights across the record.
A blues musician at heart, Fantastic Negrito remains prolific as a songwriter that avoids categorization. White Jesus Black Problems is no different in this regard. The album feels like the perfect synthesis of the alternative rock and blues of The Last Days Of Oakland and Please Donβt Be Dead and the pop textures of Have You Lost Your Mind Yet; ultimately making his latest entry to his eclectic catalogue a brilliant step forward.
SPILL FEATURE: THE STORY OF AMERICA – A CONVERSATION WITH FANTASTIC NEGRITO
ArtistΒ Links
SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: FANTASTIC NEGRITO – WHITE JESUS BLACK PROBLEMS
Gerrod Harris