Blue Sky Black Death - “And Stars, Ringed”

I’m back. How is everyone? And to my new readers, hello!

Belize… was a real trip. A beautiful and very pristine country. People don’t have all that much, but they make do with what they got, and they appreciate everything they have. No technology, no news about politics, economics, celebrities, or bullshit, natural fruits and food every day, up every morning at 5:30, and most days were spent outside and on the road. I chilled with Guatemalans and Mennonites, and took in some Mayan ruins and plenty of heat. I almost didn’t want to come back, well, ‘til I ran into some scorpions and hissing roaches, but it’s all good.

Now, if you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know that I’ve long championed the slickly-titled L.A. production group Blue Sky Black Death. For those who aren’t in the loop, BSBD originally began with productions for hip-hop artists, but their music has since grown to become much more than that. Members Kingston and Young God craft complex, grandiose, and impeccable compositions, often employing elements such as orchestras to the mix of their beat machines, creating for breathtaking music with many machinations…wheels turning within wheels. I fell hard for their 2008 release, Late Night Cinema, but their latest release, NOIR, contains some of their best work.

Case in point, this song, which was on constant, and I mean constant, rotation for me while I was there. This song alone, with it’s feelings of intense wonder and joy, became this ever-present soundtrack for me as I took in the country. Driving along the countryside. Navigating the chaotic hustle and bustle of Belize City. Walking the beaches of Ambergris Caye. The sunsets at my aunt’s place in Cayo. Exploring the Cahal Pech Mayan ruins…This song basically made everything seem even brighter. It’s an incredible listen.