NDEFRU Forgoes The Hook For The Message On “Virginia In You”
The assault on progress is widespread. It’s pervading every facet of our daily life, from the high cost of essentials at the grocery store to even complicit streaming platforms, which are now advertising propaganda disguised as recruitment. In response, conscious living leaves us on a swivel, constantly moving around to catch every slight and ensure it doesn’t become another threat. So much of it feels disconnected, but with more unfolding daily, the weaponized marginalization of a cultural majority is evident, and it takes calling it out to really make the danger clear. Countless publications spend their time dissecting each of these, but sometimes, a concise artistic statement is all you need to get started. That’s just what we have from “Virginia In You,” the new single from NDEFRU paired with an accompanying music video.
Shot by BCMusic1st, the video finds NDEFRU deep in thought while the revelry of the State Fair plays out in the background. “History written so foul\ If it ain’t glorifying colonies, it isn’t allowed,” he declares over smooth production from Ohbliv built around a loop of twinkling notes and sputtering rhythm. The MC’s tone is calm and collected, as he observes all the regressive actions and connects them with disgruntled censure. Everyone from corporations and influencers is criticized (“These data centers change the temperature of climates\ And lobbyists can’t guarantee the safety of environments“), and those in the spotlight are especially at fault, burying their heads in the sand despite their own best interests at risk (“Public figures cut off they nose to spite our dark face“).
NDEFRU’s focus is riveting here as he glides from point to point, connecting disparate tidbits and movements to the greater cause, tailor-made to snap someone out of the stupor of constant headlines and reactionary takes. “You only checking for the hook \ Missing the whole message,” he states in the track’s most profound moment, ensuring that we keep our attention on that swivel no matter how exhausting we get. It’s only there that we will catch the true story, not just the one the opposition wants you to see.
“Virginia In You” is the latest single from NDEFRU, released this past September, and serves as a bonus song on the new remastered version of Foreign Local, a five-song collaboration made with Ohbliv originally from 2019 that also featured contributions from local jazz legend James “Plunky” Branch. The six tracks have also been pressed to a limited-edition vinyl, allowing fans a chance to physically hold on to the conscious hip-hop artist’s message that hasn’t slowed down in the six years since its initial release.
Watch the video for “Virginia In You” below and make sure to bookmark NDEFRU’s website and follow him on social media so you don’t miss his next release.
