Colorism remains an issue within the black community and can sometimes creep up in the middle of a compliment. Singer Jayd Ink takes on that very thing with her new single, "DarkSkin." In the song, Jayd tackles the backhanded compliment of being "pretty for a dark-skinned girl" by pointing out the ridiculousness of such a qualifier.
Jayd's soothingly delicate vocals ride the wave of this bouncy head-nodder as she cuts straight-to-the-chase in the hook, singing "What the f**k does that mean?" She continues on, pointing out that many of these "compliments" come from men who are just as brown as she is, saying, "Pour some Hennessy for these n****s / Wonder if they love their mothers / Or love their skin colors?" However, sadly, such statements don't only come from men, with women oftentimes participating in the same antiquated beliefs that being dark skinned AND attractive somehow serves as an accomplishment of sorts while further perpetuating the idea that attractiveness is reserved for our lighter-hued counterparts.
Produced by kAui, "DarkSkin" provides the perfect response to such foolishness, displaying the frustration that such statements can inspire. The song is the latest from the Toronto-based singer, who released her debut EP, Invitation Only, in 2015. "DarkSkin" is currently available on iTunes.
