The Glamour of Hustle: André Leon Talley and Amaarae
The Pinnacle of Glamour
In his memoir, The Chiffon Trenches, former Vogue editor-at-large André Leon Talley shares an anecdote about the iconic Naomi Campbell. He recounts a phone call from her while she was in a foreign city, illustrating her extraordinary lifestyle. “[She] called me, from some foreign city,” he writes, “on one of 10 ubiquitous cell phones she keeps in a Hefty zip-lock bag (a cell phone for each country is thrown in her carry-on, as well as a fresh bottle of Tabasco sauce).” This vivid image encapsulates the essence of glamor—where the relentless hustle and grind that shape an icon become integral to her legend.
Amaarae: Embracing Authenticity
Amaarae invites her audience to witness her journey, sweat and all. Her 2020 debut album, The Angel You Don’t Know, showcases her vibrant personality as she dances in front of the mirror and dreams of lavish gifts for her mother. With her sophomore release, Fountain Baby, she expanded her sound, blending influences from around the globe—featuring a Japanese koto on one track and a sample from Clipse’s “Wamp Wamp (What It Do)” on another.
Exploration of Sound: From Club to Rave
Amaarae’s track “Angels in Tibet” captures her playful spirit as she navigates the club scene, searching for moments of clarity amidst chaos. Now, she finds herself at the heart of the rave, experiencing the intensity of strobe lights and pulsating beats. Her latest project, Black Star, reflects a newfound confidence, exploring themes of luxury, love, and self-discovery, all while questioning the meaning of it all.
A Global Perspective on Black Diaspora
After the success of Fountain Baby, Amaarae immersed herself in the nightlife of cities like Miami, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. She explored various musical styles, from Chicago house to Ghanaian microgenres. This rich tapestry of influences culminates in Black Star, a genre-defying album that transcends boundaries. Bree Runway aptly dubbed it “CzechSlovakAtlanta,” a reflection of Amaarae’s eclectic sound.
Comparisons to Beyoncé’s Renaissance
Amaarae’s ambition parallels that of Beyoncé’s Renaissance but approaches the subject matter with a refreshing sense of levity. The album’s ethos, encapsulated in the track “Girlie-Pop!,” revolves around the mantra of “switching genres till we make it pop.” This versatility underscores her commitment to crafting a sound that resonates with a diverse audience.
Radical Populism in Music
Black Star embodies a radical populism, featuring collaborations with prominent artists from various musical backgrounds. DJ Starkillers, a noted figure in the circuit-party scene, and Charlie Wilson, the legendary frontman of the Gap Band, contribute to the album’s eclecticism. Tracks like “Fineshyt” draw inspiration from iconic hits, seamlessly blending the past and present. With lines like “She’s my new sexy machine/My sexy sex machine,” Amaarae lays claim to the title of Ms. Worldwide.
Sampling and Interpolation
To achieve the most captivating hooks, Amaarae embraces the art of sampling. In her duet with PinkPantheress, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone pt 2,” she cleverly incorporates elements of “The Thong Song,” while “Starkilla” interpolates the classic “Milkshake” by Kelis. The El Guincho co-production “She Is My Drug” finds Amaarae contemplating love and substance through the lens of Cher’s “Believe.”
Conclusion
Amaarae’s Black Star is a celebration of identity, ambition, and the vibrant complexities of the Black diaspora. Through her eclectic sound and unapologetic authenticity, she not only carves out her own space in the music industry but also pays homage to the rich tapestry of influences that shape her artistry. As she continues to push boundaries and redefine pop culture, Amaarae stands as a testament to the power of embracing one’s journey—grit, glamour, and all.
FAQs
What themes does Amaarae explore in her music?
Amaarae explores themes of identity, love, ambition, and self-discovery, often drawing from her diverse cultural background and experiences.
How does Black Star differ from her previous work?
Black Star showcases a more expansive sound, incorporating a wider variety of global influences and a deeper exploration of the Black diaspora compared to her debut.
What is the significance of sampling in Amaarae’s music?
Sampling allows Amaarae to connect with musical traditions and create contemporary sounds that resonate with a broad audience, blending nostalgia with modernity.
Who are some notable collaborators on Black Star?
Notable collaborators include DJ Starkillers and Charlie Wilson, adding a rich layer of diversity to the album’s sound and artistic expression.
