Review
When SAULT dropped "Untitled (Black Is)" on Juneteenth 2020, they delivered something that felt both urgent and timeless, weaving together '90s R&B smoothness with West African funk rhythms and gospel-inspired chants that speak straight to the soul. The collective crafted this release as an unapologetic response to systemic racism and police brutality, honoring George Floyd and countless others while celebrating Black identity and resistance. With Inflo's lush production providing the foundation, tracks like "Sorry Ain't Enough" glide with silky R&B grooves while "Bow" pulses with infectious African rhythms that make your body move before your mind can catch up. This isn't your typical album structure – it flows like a cultural mixtape, capturing a movement in real time.
What makes this collection so extraordinary is how effortlessly it balances revolution with musicality, never sacrificing one for the other. The spoken-word poetry segments blend seamlessly with early '70s soul influences, creating something that feels like a spiritual awakening set to music. SAULT managed to channel the weight of history and the hope for change into songs that inspire reflection while keeping your head nodding. Critics recognized this ambitious scope, with the album earning an 86 on Metacritic and widespread praise for making such heavy themes feel authentic and accessible, proving that the most powerful art often comes from the most necessary moments. - Kimberly
