OFFICIAL RELEASE: Xiaolin Funk

BOOM bap, people need to hear this rap

It is our greatest thrill and delight to announce the release of Abstract that Rapper and Slim C.O.D’s music video for Xiaolin Funk, an introduction to Soul Power, which will be released in early April. The video is a gritty, urban, two and a half minute long DIY production, directed, edited, and produced by Oleg Terentiev.

The track starts off: “Chill, like why is it so hard for you to be chill, shouldn’t be that hard.” Then we are invited to join Abstract and Slim’s squad on a chill, personal trip around downtown Charleston - from construction tunnels to parking garages and the side streets in between - along to their “cool ass Wu Tang-ish” boom bap beat.

“This is what we did with half a battery, just drinking Andre walking down the street.” But despite the casual nature of the relatively impromptu video, it looks exactly like the guys wanted it to look. It shows downtown Charleston at night, in the less glamorous, more urban environments that the city has to offer. It focuses on tagged, spray painted backdrops, Tobacco Street, and lower King. The video is set on parking garage roof tops; the lights of the typical Charleston cityscape take a backseat.

The track alludes to the competitive nature of rap, with Slim C.O.D cutting in after a minute with, “this shit is trash." He admits,"rap is always about competition… even with us as homies, we compete.” But nevertheless, the video feels lighthearted and the lyrics are positive. Slim raps, “I’m already ready to school the next generation, put them on a diet of good vibes and meditation, education and patience, dedication and elevation, prob’ly have a pupil somewhere levitatin.’”

Abstract stays true to his mantra of positivity and empowerment as well, rapping “This’s for the culture, you either hold it up or push it forward, if you stagnant, my n----, then you prob’ly is the vulture… don’t come out until you’re more informed, pay your dues, put in some work and create a purpose.”

Fortunately, we can expect a lot more video content from the boys soon.

For now, we sit back, listen to Xiaolin Funk, and anxiously await Soul Power.

Buy Xiaolin Funk on iTunes

Add it to all ur Spotify playlists:

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