Profound musician Devonté Hynes, AKA Blood Orange, is always looking for innovative ways to push his craft, especially when it comes to being a beacon action for racial injustice. This time, he’s taking the classical route for a piano cover of Julius Eastman’s 1979 piece “Evil N****r.”
Recorded for the Black Power Live Broadcast via Twitch, Hynes’ almost seven-minute performance improvises over the haunting work, keeping to the original tune while adding his subtle nuances into the mix.
The “piano meditation” was recorded in Los Angeles and is Hynes’ latest offering since his work on the Melina Matsoukas-directed Queen & Slim back in 2019.
Hynes recently announced a collaboration with HBO serving as a composer and performer for the upcoming drama limited series We Are Who We Are. The show is set to premiere on September 14.
Listen to Devonte Hynes’ take on “Evil N****r” below.
