I Don’t Wanna Be Famous
The Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist rapper NNAMDÏ is on a bit of a roll right now, getting love in all the right places. Catch him while he’s on tour promoting his new album Please Have A Seat. Like the artist himself, the album bobs and weaves in style but the overall impression is that of a musician in command of his musical lexicon and having an extraordinary time unwrapping his artistic gifts.
Our highlighted track “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous” gives a fresh spin to a classic theme: a loathing ode to the undesirable trappings of notoriety. You could put together an entire university syllabus devoted to exploring the subterranean impulses animating the simultaneous pull and push that comes with fame. (Include Dam-Funk’s “I Don’t Wanna Be A Star!” while you’re at it.)
NNAMDÏ’s own response mixes a sense of humor with frank acknowledgment of the simple pleasures of success. Keep the awards, but hand over that new car ‘cuz he’s gonna race that b*tch.
Stream, share, buy to your heart’s content.
A soulful call and response between the flute and the kora.
Andrew Stern; interview with DIY venue 4th Wall organizers; and more.
Not enough rectangles in the music video for “Rectangles.”