ANALOG SUSPECTS’ POWERFUL VISUAL FOR “SAVAGE” REFLECTS THE UNREST OF OUR TIME

Hip-hop music has been called the “CNN of the Streets” dating back to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power.” It actually has been the CNN of the black community since “The Message” by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in ’82. Today, the question is often asked, “What is the role of artists during this time of national unrest?” I believe one role art can play is to reflect the times. Richmond hip-hop duo Analog Suspects, which consist of producer DJ Mentos and MC Noah-O, have channeled their art to reflect the current unrest in Richmond. Their video “Savage,” directed by Jordan Gonzalez, is just a sample of the visuals coming out of Virginia’s capital over the last 3 weeks, but it’s a critical part. It shows the energy and the youth of the current movement. It is a reflection of the times we are living in.