Antonio Darris is a singer and songwriter from Minneapolis, Minnesota with a classic sound and a message that is both timely and timeless. Debuting in 2019 with the single “Don’t Wanna Live This Way,” the artist has a penchant for socially conscious Hip-hop and R&B music. Drawing inspiration from both the history of the past and the history being made everyday in these tumultuous times, Darris creates music that makes us feel and think.
“The Change of 2 Americas” is the latest single from Antonio Darris. The song takes its title from Dr. Martin Luther King’s “The Other America” speech, about the imbalance of justice in our society. Over fifty years ago he made the case that there were different realities for white people and black people in America. He was right, and all these years later it is tragically still true. Antonio makes that connection as he opens the track with a sample of Dr. King’s speech and then carries the theme into our modern day.
In both the song and in its powerful corresponding video, Darris views the senseless murders of George Floyd and countless other innocent Black people through the lens of MLK’s famous words. Amidst the backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests, the reality of the situation is inescapable. As we are reminded of these horrific tragedies, in a soulful R&B croon Darris asks, “Would you try to make a change? A change for brighter days?”
Musically “The Change of 2 Americas” is a smooth acoustic guitar-driven R&B track set to a mellow Lo-fi Hip-hop beat. In both style and substance the track brings to mind some of fellow Minneapolis native Prince’s most poignant and intimate moments. And like the Purple one, Antonio delivers his thoughtful commentary with an honest and soulful vocal set to a low key funk.
I am writing this on Inauguration Day, two days after Martin Luther King Day. A much needed and long awaited change is in the air. “The Change of 2 Americas” reminds us what it needs to look like. Check out the video, below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Dive playlist. Follow the links below the video to connect with Antonio Darris.