Video: Wara From the NBHD – “Slangin”

One of ATL’s Realest MC’s Shows the Consequences of “Slangin” in His Latest Visual, Premiered via The Fader

11.17.2014

Critical Praise for Wara From the NBHD:

“Lyrically he comes across as both book and street smart and has the direct cadence of a great live performer.” – XXL

“Wara… has nearly bled mind, body and emotions dry in writing and scoring his audible biopic.” – Passion of the Weiss

“If the piano breakdowns and gloomy production are any indication of how soulful Wara gets with his music, we can’t wait to see more of him in time.” – Complex

“One of Atlanta’s best kept secrets – though not for much longer.” – PotholesInMyBlog

“Wara has been holding it down for musically explorative hip-hop.” – HotNewHipHop

“One of Atlanta’s most promising acts of the new wave.” – Ashley Outrageous

“The gloomy, minimalist production… is perfectly suited for a late-night ride through town.” – The FADER

“His hook and verses are on-point.” – MissInfo.TV

“Keeping the mood as murky as possible, Wara makes his presence known over a spooky backing voice positioned against a secluded guitar and drums.” – OnSMASH

“… the rawest shit you are going to hear for the rest of the year.” – Mass Appeal

“Wara’s a writer and a slick rapper, a talented producer who knows how to shape an album’s worth of songs into a world.” – Pitchfork

“Wara recalls the 1990s of Wu-Tang Clan and the early 2000s of Pharrell Williams’s Neptunes and N.E.R.D.” – The New York Times

The Video:

In the wise words of Wara From the NBHD, “The streets breed assholes,” a sentiment perfectly embodied in “Slangin,” Wara’s latest video. “Slangin” is a continuation of the narrative from Wara’s previous music video “Raw” featuring GrandeMarshall, with Wara stating to Complex, “’Raw’ shows what happens the night before, while ‘Slangin’ will show what transpires the next day.”

The “next day” Wara speaks of is very different from the Grand Theft Auto debauchery of “Raw.” Instead, the viewer is treated to the harsh and unfiltered reality that plagues a life lived in the streets. “Slangin” quickly transitions from playing craps and practicing stick up moves to inevitable violence and bloodshed. Throughout it all Wara portrays one of his greatest strengths, a gift for storytelling. In an interview with Pigeons & Planes, Wara stated, “I care about the messages that I give off because these past few years it took a lot for me to realize that my voice and everybody’s voice is powerful if they use the shit in the right way.”

“Slangin” is the culmination of Wara’s natural storytelling ability and his overarching message. “Slangin” is the antithesis to “Raw.” Instead of expensive cars and joy rides, “Slangin” demonstrates what it takes to survive in the hood and the consequences of that survival. As Wara’s brother so boldly proclaims, “You think I like crack? You think I like shootin niggas?/ You think I like runnin’ from the cops like a loser nigga?” The ultimate triumph of “Raw” is how it gives a visual representation to the environment that would foster such animosity that one would have to ask these biting rhetorical questions. It’s a glimpse into the world Wara built on Kidnapped.

Check out The FADER premiere: http://www.thefader.com/2014/11/17/wara-from-the-nbhd-slangin

Watch “Slangin”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNltJ4JWkg4

Kidnapped: itun.es/us/YLfx2 / https://soundcloud.com/warafromthenbhd/sets/wara-from-the-nbhd-kidnapped / kidnapped.us

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Wara From the NBHD – Kidnapped tracklist:
01. “Get In”
02. “Piano Lessons”
03. “Slangin”
04. “Beige”
05. “Raw” (feat. GrandeMarshall)
06. “Hot Boy”
07. “Fuck You Mean / Composure”
08. “Scrilla”
09. “Annoyed”
10. “Squeal (Peel Off)”
11. “Gone Baby Gone” (feat. Rell & Light Skin Mac-11 of Two-9)

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with Wara From the NBHD.

The Background:

Wara From the NBHD might be ATL’s next rising star. The Brooklyn born, Atlanta-based rapper serves as an embodiment of both of the areas he grew up in. An artist with a unique ability to blend both cultures seamlessly with striking lyricism and impressive production. This sentiment is highlighted with Wara’s latest release The Ill Street Blues a mix tape garnering critical praise from notable outlets such as The Fader, Complex and XXL. The project portrays a dichotomy of the good and bad Wara has experienced in his life, notably personified by his son sitting next to a gun on the mix tapes cover. His new release, Kidnapped, is a concept album produced entirely by himself.