The EP is the second volume of the ongoing project between The Undefeated, ESPN’s content initiative exploring the intersection of sports, race, and culture. The EP is a unique collaboration with various artists for Black History Month.
Volume II balances the realities of Black America’s continued struggles, while also celebrating Black beauty and offering messages of hope. The new project is the follow up to “I Can’t Breathe/Music For the Movement,” which released last fall.
The project is a compilation of reimagined, historically significant songs, as well as original tracks and spoken word pieces. Made by and for Black America with contemporary artists, the EP celebrates the black culture in music and art.
The first single released before the drop is Tobe Nwigwe’s interpretation of Melvin & The Blue Notes’ (featuring Teddy Pendergrass) “Wake Up Everybody”.
The song explores society’s shortcomings and ask humanity to fight for a brighter future where the elderly are taken care of, education is prioritized, and drug addiction is eradicated.
R&B and soul superstar Brent Faiyaz also released an original track titled “Eden” last week for the EP as well. The soft acoustic song focuses on a common observation many have about their Creator: why does God let us suffer? As Brent prays for his people, he nods to police brutality, hardship, and wonders whether the Black community’s prayers will be answered.
Singer/songwriter Tinashe offers a contemporary recording of “I’m Every Woman.” Originally released in 1978 by Chaka Khan.
Grammy-nominated, critically acclaimed, and Gary, Indiana native, Freddie Gibbs recorded Gil Scott Heron’s “Winter In America.” Originally released in 1975.
Rounding out the “Black History Always” EP, is a spoken word piece from Roc Nation’s Infinity Song, aptly named “Undefeated.”
The project is a call to action for social justice. The EP reminds us that, even though we celebrate Black history for a month, the accomplishments and challenges of Black people remain constant.
There is an urgent need for change for the Black narrative in America. Regardless of race, everyone should have the power to be the authors of their own story. This EP shows that, until we can collaborate as a whole, we will only see minimum change.
