‘Asrah Redux’, Exploring Censorship & An Artists’ Legacy.

Well, here it is: Asrah Redux:

An extension of the original album with three new songs to expand our original concept. Asrah Redux was born from my desire to celebrate graduation from Morgan State University. I wanted a physical representation of the fruits of my labor at the school and while that has once again been postponed (from June to October to Lord knows…), I still released the album so that fans of this work can enjoy the vision anyway.

At least, this was my vision:

Do you notice a difference from the cover above and what is displayed on streaming services? That’s right, the name of my work was changed! I was forced to create an alternate cover that says “Deluxe Edition” instead of going with my original name. I still plan to call it Redux when the Vinyl release manifests one day. But ever since I released Satisfaction back in August 2018, I have been targeted for censorship. Whether it is blocking a video because of a few seconds of an Angela Davis picture, disabling and re-enabling my account 4-5 times in a month because of “suspicious activity” that is never explained, or forcing artistic changes like the one above because a “deluxe edition must have deluxe edition in the title”.

Now, I do own the rights to the recording and can remove it from the platform if I choose. But the hassle of “proving” that point and the downside of being “homeless” (although this website is my saving grace, always) outweigh any benefit that the temporary emotional release of removing it provides. It goes back to another issue with an artist who decided to be inspired by the original Asrah artwork…but that’s another story for another time 🌞

True artistic freedom is rare. Great art (or at least art disseminated to wide masses) also seems to have to involve compromises, as well. What are you truly willing to give up in order to gain it all?

I just need loyalty. Passion for the mission. Support. The best way to support me is by purchasing my music directly from my store. This is just…a glimpse into some of the bullshit we deal with as independent artists. It’s not all doom and gloom, though…

Check this out:

Photo by Kelly Connelly

This was me around 2015-2016! An ambitious Sun ready to take the next step in his development as an artist and as a man…I went through so much in between those five years that I barely recognize this person anymore. I was gearing up to release my first EP “Time Is Legacy” and now a Hi-Res version of this photo and many more are exhibited at the Maryland Art Place…!!!

SEEN: 20 YEARS OF MUSIC PHOTOGRAPHY IN BALTIMORE (Curated by Josh Sisk and Joe Giordano) features this photo, shot by Kelly Connelly, as a part of an exhibit on Baltimore’s musical history. It was put together with support from Audrey Gatewood to represent a comprehensive and inclusive overview of music with a heavy emphasis on Baltimore Indie, Rap and Hip-Hop genres and the photographers that captured this important time for the city.

SEEN is on display from Thursday, September 24 - Saturday, November 14, 2020 and is available to visit given that COVID protection measures are in place. You can find out more about the exhibit here.

Building a legacy takes time, there’s no way around it. Although the unexpected can place obstacles in your path, it’s also the unexpected that help you to truly grow. That and my inner tenacity is what I’ve come to appreciate & love through all these lessons.

Ard I’m OUT

Sun