In celebration of Black History Month, Tank and The Bangas have put “Black Folk” on a rightful pedestal on their latest single, which features Alex Isley and Masego.
There’s a timeless air about this new authentic track, brought to the forefront in spoken word with much conviction and familiarity by the band’s vocalist Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball.
Isley’s lush tone stakes out ad-libs and chorus as Tank makes poignant points about what makes up the melanin aesthetic.
Meanwhile, Masego nestles into the cool jazz instrumental, affirming consistent cultural phrases and passing along encouraging words to his community.
Commenting on the inspiration behind the band’s new song “Black Folk,” Tank wrote on Instagram that it’s “about my love for black people—ev-erything that they are, everything that they do, their hair, the little girls, Jazzfest. All the beautiful things about us and the things that we like to cover up with pain, laughter, food, and music, the family secrets, all of it.
The way we look at other black people that have so-called ‘made it,’ like Cicely Tyson and @serenawilliams and @tylerperry. It’s an ode to black people.”
View this post on Instagram
“Black Folk” is the second offering from Tank and The Bangas’ forthcoming album Red Balloon, due May 13. The first single, “No ID,” arrived last month and came out with a music video.
Red Balloon is the band’s first full-length album since 2019’s Green Balloon. In addition to Isley and Masego, the new set will feature guest spots from Wayne Brady, Big Freedia, The HamilTones, Jacob Collier, Trombone Shorty, and Lalah Hathaway, who shows up on two tracks.
Getting a jump on early promotion for Red Balloon with their own winter spot dates, Tank and The Bangas are joining Cory Henry this spring for his headlining tour.
Listen to Tank and The Bangas’ new song “Black Folk” featuring Masego and Alex Isley below.
