In these times of turmoil, revolt and revolution, it's easy to forget the beauty in the simple things that Black people experience. However, one thing we shouldn't forget to speak on and nourish is the gorgeousness that is Black love. Robert Glasper links with H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello to remind us how beautiful it can be with the release of their new single "Better Than I Imagined."
As one would expect with a combination of these three mega-talents, the track is dreamy and lush. Robert starts things off with his signature keys alongside a rolling snare rhythm that sets the mood. We are then treated to a sincere, wistful vocal from H.E.R. as she recounts a love affair that was more than she could have ever dreamed. She then switches to ethereal backing vocals as Meshell steps onto the track to deliver a spoken word portion in which she speaks to the lover, letting them know that they're on her mind and reminiscing about the good times they once had. It's a conversation anyone who has someone who might've gotten away can relate to (and might even be the first step to a rekindling of that old flame).
"Black lives matter and so does Black love; no one wants a life without love, but we have generations of people in our community who haven’t had the tools to actually be in healthy relationships," Robert Glasper said about his reason for creating the song. "It seems like people are finally ready to open their eyes to systemic racism in this country, and if we’re going to talk about it, we have to also talk about how it affects our relationships — how we communicate, how we see ourselves, how we treat each other. It’s not always good, even though maybe it could be."
Talk that talk, money! You can listen to "Better Than I Imagined" and peep its artistic video below and pick up your own copy of the track here.
