Afrobeat royalty Seun Kuti teams up with the legendary Pos of hip-hop icons De La Soul to share “Stand Well Well (Grand Stand Version),” released via Record Kicks. The track is taken from his critically acclaimed, Lenny Kravitz-produced, album Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head). Here, the song is reimagined with the distinctive lyrical prowess of Pos, who adds a fresh and vibrant dimension to one of the most captivating tunes from the album. This new version of “Stand Well Well” is part of the deluxe edition of Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), set for release on May 28 featuring additional reworks by Kamasi Washington, Alborosie, and Adi Oasis.
“Seun is a powerful soul and it’s inspirational being around him whenever I have been,” Pos says about getting to collaborate on the track. He continues, “The song for me means to stand well rooted in agreeableness. Standing well-rooted against the whirlwind of misery dressed up as entertainment online, as well as its powerful elixir of self-doubting. Standing focused to not fall for the trap of redundancy that being on social media can present.”
After wrapping a series of dates with Lenny Kravitz in Europe, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 will embark on a spring headlining US tour starting in April. Beginning with four nights at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, the band will also perform at this year’s Coachella on April 11th and 18th before joining the legendary New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on April 24. Tickets can be purchased here.
Each song on Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head) is a testament to Seun Kuti’s unwavering commitment to using music for social change and empowerment. As an outspoken pan-African activist, he recently joined Santigold’s Noble Champions podcast to discuss his views on Nigeria’s political landscape, the challenges of rebuilding broken institutions, and the necessity of grassroots movements in reclaiming power.
Kelvin “Pos” Mercer is one-third of the hip hop legendary group De La Soul. Hailing from Long Island, New York, they are pioneers of the conscious hip-hop movement and are known for their innovative blend of jazz, funk, and soul, along with their intelligent and thought-provoking lyrics. After delivering their seminal debut 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989 with the production genius of Prince Paul, the New York City-bred trio went on to further impact hip-hop culture with eight more groundbreaking albums. As influential figures in hip-hop, De La Soul have consistently pushed creative boundaries, earning a Grammy Award and critical acclaim for their unique lyrical style and socially conscious messaging. Pos’ contribution to “Stand Well Well” brings a fresh perspective and undeniable hip-hop energy, making this collaboration a true meeting of musical minds.
Seun Kuti is the youngest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He has spent most of his life preserving and extending his father’s political and musical legacy as the leader of Fela’s former band Egypt 80. As a developing saxophonist and percussionist, he entered the formal ranks of the band before he was 12. In 1997 when Fela passed, in fulfillment of his father’s wishes, Seun assumed the mantle as head of Egypt 80 and he has run it ever since. During his career, Seun Kuti has released 5 albums with Egypt 80 and collaborated with many great artists such as MC extraordinaire Black Thought, Janelle Monae, Talib Kweli, MadLib, and Damian Marley. Critics have praised his latest album, Heavier Yet (Lays The Crownless Head), as “his greatest and most powerful yet.”
SOURCE: Official Bio
Featured image by Kola Oshalusi.
LINKS:
https://www.instagram.com/bigbirdkuti
https://www.facebook.com/seunkutiofficial
https://www.youtube.com/user/seunkuti
https://seunkutiegypt80.bandcamp.com/
