Paris ‎
Safe Space Invader (Limited)

In this era of reckoning for American policing, increases of instances racism fostered by the most incompetent president in modern times, and a global pandemic that has affected all areas of life as we once knew it, voices of dissent in entertainment have become more relevant than ever.

Enter Paris, arguably one of the most politically outspoken artists in hip-hop history, with his latest album, Safe Space Invader. Entirely self-produced and without guest features, Safe Space Invader is a brutal commentary on Black life in 2020 America, touching on the topics of police brutality, racism, gentrification, economic inequality and cancel culture, among others.

From SSI’s opening track, “Bang Bang,” the mood is set. With an appropriate sonic backdrop of civil unrest, Paris rages with his characteristic menacing snarl:

“Won’t stop till we all eat

Beast mode, Bay niggas all beast

Spit clearly so we can all see

It’s no fun if we all can’t get a piece”

Its follow-up, “Why Reconcile?” asks that very question – in stark, uncompromising terms over an ominous soundscape:

“Ain’t no middle ground, ain’t no understandin’

Just demand fairness ’til we advancin’

Apply pressure, ride on the enemy

And why reconcile if we ain’t free? Fuck peace”

And it goes on from there. “Press On” displays Paris’ unbridled fury at police misconduct and the apologists who support and embolden it, and “Turned the Key” is a poignant lament of the effects of gentrification on communities of color in the USA.

However, it is Paris’ first single and video, “Baby Man Hands,” that truly engages and emboldens listeners disgusted with the current state of affairs brought about by the ineptitude of our Commander in Chief. It is a vicious takedown of Donald Trump and his related buffoonery, and serves as musical catharsis and affirmation for those at their wits end with his shenanigans:

“Call Trump University

Cause his fake shit brings out the worst in me

Fake news, fake views, fake telecast

Fed to the fake by the fake fulla fake facts

Fuck y’all with Kellyanne’s dick

And start pickin’ truth over fake shit

Start realizing you made this

Dimwit racist rapist president”

Continuing in the tradition of artists who can be relied upon to remain consistent with both content and dedication to musical quality, this effort by Paris pleases not only his existing loyal supporters, but continues to gain him many new listeners as well.