To say that New Orleans, Louisiana’s history and culture is rich, is saying a lot. A lot. But most people don’t realize how rich of a history it truly is, much less do they realize that history involves kings and queens that were stolen from their homeland for the purpose of slavery, nor do they realize that history includes land being stolen from those who already populated what is now the United States. African-Americans and Native Americans have contributed to every aspect of life in the U.S., but more importantly, helped to shape it at every turn – if not helped to make it at every turn.
African-Americans, historically, are responsible for countless inventions, food creations, hairstyles and fashion, but most importantly, the labor that built this country. Unfortunately, those building blocks were on the backs of and at the expense of African-Americans – it was an awful and often violent and turbulent time that quite likely led to the discrimination and violence, including police shootings, that we are currently seeing. The time has come to rise above that history and for African-Americans to see the “Glory” that was envisioned in their ancestors’ wildest dreams. The visual to this version of “Glory” seeks to tell the real history of New Orleans – particularly Algiers Point where slaves were imported and distributed to New Orleans’ Eastbank, and ultimately to the plantations around Louisiana and the Southern U.S.
Daryl “The Hairbender” Roberts is keenly aware of the importance of knowing your history so it isn’t doomed to be repeated – and he knows the “Glory” that comes with rising above challenges that seemed to have been set in place by design. After the idea behind the “Glory” song was born, he enlisted some of the dopest lyrical and musical talent that exists. That came in the form of New Orleans’ favorite son/rapper, Daniel Heartless, who is joined by the amazingly talented T-Ray the Violinist, beautiful songstress Mary Jones, and super talented urban poets/activists Keya Clark and Nine Lynzelle. The visuals were brought to life by the work of Captivating Images, LLC and were filmed in several locations around Algiers. Check out the cut by The Hairbender that eventually turns into a portrait of the Underground Railroad’s conductor, Harriet Tubman. It is imagery at its best! It’s taken the John Legend/Common collaboration to a new historical high. Each of the featured artists brought a beautiful piece to the puzzle that is this project and each leaves their mark on history.
The song and visuals soar past the haunting history of times past and the effects of slavery to give hope to the downtrodden that one day they will stand proud and sing “Glory”. That day is coming, thanks to those who work to right the wrongs of the past.
Follow on Instagram:
@thehairbender
@danielhless
@t_raytheviolinist
@supanovafit
@_marynojane
@nywelebynine
@captivatingimagesllc
For interviews/media inquiries: Publicist Arlene “Hurricane Arlene” Culpepper of MIKODreamz_PR at mikodreamzpr@gmail.com.
