The artist formally known as YC the Cynic is going through a transition. So much so that the Bronx native has changed his name. Now donning the moniker Kemba, he now sets to release Negus. The change in the name comes from a desire to grow. Feeling like his prior name was tied to the aesthetic of older work, he felt like it wouldn’t fit the sounds of his new body of work.

Inspired by the works of artists like Mos Def and Goodie Mob, Kemba shares the visuals for “The New Black Theory.” Kemba shares an interesting take on the term coined by the likes of Pharell and Raven Simone. The video uses Geraldo Rivera’s disturbing commentary on young, black men playing into the “fake gangsta” image and its consequences. As Kemba watches the footage play along side of news clips about Black men killed unjustly, he plays out the scenarios of “respectable Black man” and “gangster”. Is there difference? Press play and decide for yourself.

Connect with Kemba
Soundcloud.com/kembaland
Facebook.com/kembaland
Twitter.com/kembaland