“Too many n***as in Rikers Island / Why must it be? / Too many n***as in Rikers Island / Set ‘em free.” Those bold lyrics are central to “Rikers Island,” a gem from Jimmy Lee, the superb comeback album from R&B standout, Raphael Saadiq – his first album since 2011. Jimmy Lee is a personal project for Saadiq, in addition to being conceptual and socially charged. According to the NY Times, Jimmy Lee was “Named for his brother, Jimmy Lee Baker, who overdosed in the 1990s after contracting H.I.V.” “Rikers Island” is a dynamic, funky, old-school joint that oozes with soul. Even so, what’s most notable is how Saadiq denounces the infamous Rikers Island correctional facility, where far too many black men are being incarcerated.
While Rikers Island is a specific place Raphael Saadiq seeks to atone, arguably the bigger statement is broader; too many black men are incarcerated everywhere, not just Riker’s Island. In fact, on the intro, he cleverly states:
“Way too many
I said there’s way too many
And you may not be in Rikers Island
You may be in Rikers Island in your own mind
Nevertheless, you gotta unleash yourself
Everybody, everybody.”
On the verses, Saadiq further analyzes the black male incarceration problem. On the first verse, the anxiety is real for the next potential inmate, who is “… Shaking inside / He says it’s something he didn’t do / He’s afraid to take that long ride / Down Rikers Avenue.” The second verse is even more troubling, as Saadiq sings, “Children home with no fathers / And they don’t even know why / Mother can’t explain it…” The point is, not only does Rikers, which is in the process of closing, have a serious incarceration problem, so does America. Saadiq uses a minor key, ultra-funky record as a truly superb, contemporary protest anthem.
You can learn more about Raphael Saadiq here:
About The Curator - Brent Faulkner
Slightly eccentric with interests that seem to know no ends, restless ‘Renaissance Man’ is the best way to characterize Brent Faulkner, a native of Kentucky. A certified music educator, multi-instrumentalist, and composer known for his incredibly sharp ear, he lives and breathes music of a variety of styles. In addition to passion for educating, performing, and writing music, he’s equally passionate blogging and writing about it, managing his own site, The Musical Hype (https://themusicalhype.com). When he’s not intensely analyzing music, you can find him reading or watching a movie, reality television or some sporting event.
