Though it might've struggled to find an audience upon its release this summer, indie drama The Land — about a group of teens trying to survive in inner city Cleveland — still managed to make its mark, especially with its soundtrack. That's especially true of the somber tune "This Bitter Land," provided by the film's producer Nas and one of its stars, Erykah Badu. The twosome brought the moody song to the stage with an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night.
With string players behind them and the stage bathed in the blue light, Erykah started the song with soft, understated vocals that set the tone while putting us in the mind of Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit." Next up was Nas, who traded in his signature flow for something more akin to spoken word. Adding to their poignant performances was the staging. Nas and Badu never interact throughout their five minutes on the stage, with Nas and his black-and white attire on one side of the stage and Erykah draped head to toe in earthy tan on the other, seemingly representing the start contrast between despair and hope.
It's definitely a moving performance, especially when taking into consideration the breezy material that most bring to the late night stage. See what we mean when you check it out below.
