Mahogany Jones Celebrates The Beauty in Her Blackness with “Melanin”[Single]

To me, the thought of dark-skinned people applying bleaching products to their skin in an effort to appear lighter always seemed like some backward madness from the distant past. Sad to say, the practice has become (or maybe I should say “remains”) relatively popular in places like Africa, India, and the Caribbean. It’s a complicated issue borne from larger issues like race & racism, feelings of identity, ideas about beauty, mental health, and a hell of lot more.  Being such a complicated subject, it’s not surprising that there is no quick-fix solution that will leave skin bleaching relegated to the history books. Whatever the solution is, providing young black and brown kids reaffirming works of art like Mahogany Jones’ new song “Melanin” has to be a part of the equation. Working with Dre Marshall and Jimmy Ali of The Thirties production team, the distinguished artist, educator, and activist has put together a razor-sharp hip-hop hurrah that salutes her beautifully toned dark skin while inviting others with dark features to do the same.

As with her previously released single “Black Girl Magic”, the Detroit lioness doesn’t shy away from delivering a salient message in music – using an enlivening triplet-flow and her commanding presence on the mic to treat fans to a track that swirls with soulfulness and electricity. There is no plea for acceptance in Mahogany’s voice. There’s no doubting the fact that she is beyond proud of her dark-skin and recognizes the way that this natural feature causes her to be uniquely envied and despised by so many different parts of society. The Thirties settle into a mesmeric midtempo groove for Jones to shadowbox to, letting trails of windswept samples, keys, and distorted vocals spiral around her quick-jabbing rhymes. When it all comes together, the result is an infinitely repeatable bop perfectly designed for the on-coming hoodie season.

Both “Melanin” and “Black Girl Magic” will be featured on Mahogany Jones’ forthcoming Indigo EP – a new body of work which will be executive produced by the riveting rhyme-sayer as well as her music executive husband Dre Marshall (who is also the managing partner of The Thirties). You can show your support by purchasing the single from your favorite online music service below as well as by checking out more from Mahogany Jones when you connect with her online via the links listed.

“Girl… you outdo yourself every single TIME ??? I keep bumpin this joint!” – Phoenix Rizing (via Instagram)

vibes – uplifting, affirming, celebratory, triumphant, black girl magic, vibrant, soulful, feel-good music, brush ya shoulders off, love yourself, booming, black excellence, engaging, mighty, bold, sharp, superb, magnificent, confident, smart, intelligent

Stream & buy Mahogany Jones’ music on…
( Amazon | Bandcamp | Deezer | Google Play | iTunes | Spotify | Tidal )

https://tidal.com/browse/album/154630796

Connect with Mahogany Jones on…
( Facebook | Instagram | Official Site | ReverbNation | Soundcloud | Twitter | YouTube )