Homeboy Sandman – America The Beautiful (Video)

Homeboy Sandman delivers the visual accompaniment to his heartfelt ode-to-an-otherwise-troubled country, “America, The Beautiful”

Homeboy Sandman is always one to go against the grain. The rapping musician who once laughed off the idea that rap verses couldn’t be 24 bars long, doesn’t play by regular rap rules. So while much is being made of artists speaking out against social injustices (or the perceived lack thereof), it’s a bit eyebrow-raising to hear a lyricist who has often criticized the wicked ways of modern America, releasing an entire song praising her.

But that’s the thing with Sandman. Expect the unexpected.

If you know the Queens representative on or off the mic, you would know he has certainly been vocal about societal issues and past injustices, both on record and with writings, penning editorial pieces for outlets like the Huffington Post and this publication. But despite his well-stated objections to many of the activities perpetrated by those in this country who deviously seek to take advantage of the opportunities afforded them, Homeboy Sandman wants to point out the idea that the country also offers a degree of security, freedom and opportunity unlike anywhere else.

His commentary is poignant on a couple of levels. The fact that he has to point out these positives, suggests in of itself that such positives can be outweighed by the inescapable negatives. And while in no way is Sandman oblivious or unfeeling toward the issues of the day, it’s as if “America, The Beautiful” is meant to remind people that despite all that is wrong, we’re in a place that, at the very least, has the potential to correct itself. A reminder that in comparison to conditions that others in the world have to live in, things could be worse.

It is a bold statement to make, but it rings true. Listening to the song, and watching Sand’s impassioned delivery in the Kiki Humanmonochrome-directed video, almost makes one hopeful, that America can indeed be as beautiful as a whole as these individual examples are.

Homeboy Sandman’s musical journey developed over several years in countless backroom open mic and small NYC indie shows, and has since evolved into a world-class, would-touring musician’s life. His Stones Throw releases have lived up to the promise he expertly delivered on The Good Sun (2010). Each year has shown progress, in terms of consistent output, larger tours, and higher-visibility appearances, and every indication points to this trend continuing in 2015.

While I never know quite what to expect from Homeboy Sandman, I do feel very safe expecting this much.

Homeboy Sandman’s projects can be found on his Stones Throw page. He is also an official 2015 SXSW Music Festival artist.