There has been a lot of anticipation and expectations over House Of El‘s follow up release. With one of the most remarkable debut releases we’ve seen in a while by featuring superstar Laura Mvula and rapper Jay Prince on “Elijah” in March, he comes through with a second, powerful and bonafide statement with “Hard Times”, teaming with Craze & Hoax.
A more up-tempo and bouncy, though stripped-back instrumental gives a more energy- filled backdrop to the track, whilst remaining as pensive and hard-hitting lyrically as his debut – a style we see consolidated here with “Hard Times”. The video is a thing of marvel with it’s simple execution. He allows for contemporary dance to tell the story of this rhythmic song, with dark and light contrasting adding a further dynamic.
House of El says that “it really talks about the oppression of black people in modern western society but applies to the oppressed people of the world. When I think of my parents being sent for from the Caribbean to a country that didn’t accept them and that ultimately, years later they are still being oppressed by the Government – I think there is something powerful about coming through ‘Hard Times‘ and oppression and these are things that should be celebrated and championed.”
House of El’s second release on his own label WUNDERKIND continues to underline his reputation as one of the most gifted and thoughtful artists coming out of the city right now.
#Peace.Love.HouseOfEl
