Hip-hop rock band, STL GLD, have released a new song and music video for “Shimmer” ft. Darlingside. The song is taken from their anticipated new studio album ‘Rock Boyega’ out November 11 via AR Classic Records. Watch the music video above.
“[This song] is like polishing a dirty crown,” explains rapper Moe Pope. “It may be covered in soot and ash, blood and tears but it’s still a crown. There are still jewels in that, and it has the ability to shine with a little bit of work.”
“Moe and I were working on a song for the album that we felt could really be something special,” adds member and producer The Arcitype. “But it needed an outside contribution to help push it there. Moe and I both fell in love with Darlingside while working on our album, and we decided to try reaching out to them about the song, and they were receptive to the idea of working on it with us. It then became the balancing act of maintaining the core sound of each band, while fusing them in a way that felt natural, and like they belonged together. I remember asking them during the session if they had ever performed over 808s, and smiled happily when they said not before that day. As a band, we’ve always aimed to take our music in new directions that feel like they might lead to new sounds. This song is special to me, and I think it accomplished that.”
The album was recorded, mixed and mastered by The Arcitype at The Bridge Sound & Stage in Cambridge, MA, and includes features from formative artists like Darlingside, Jared Evan, Cliff Notez, Latrell James, and more.
STL GLD previously released the powerful song and music video for “Resisting” last month. It was chosen as one of the best hip hop songs released that week with Consequence.
Inspired by the fierce and emotional determination exhibited by John Boyega following the murder of George Floyd, Pope found a kindred spirit in the actor, sharing the same anger and frustration with the world’s continual mistreatment of people of color. The toll this takes on his mental health became the centerpiece of this album, and the inspiration from Boyega fueled his will to fight for balance; the title ‘Rock Boyega’ was born.
‘Rock Boyega’ track listing
1. There I Am ft. Jared Evan
2. Resisting
3. Burgundy Cement ft. Ed Balloon & Dua Boakye (of Bad Rabbits)
4. Default
5. AB ft. Jared Evan & Cliff Notez
6. The Art of Birdwatching ft. Latrell James
7. Colors ft. Oompa
8. My Block
9. My Block (Epilogue) ft. Julia Easterlin
10. Thug ft. Brandie Blaze
11. Money Bags
12. Caterpillars ft. Najee Janey
13. Signals
14. What We Need (INTERLUDE)
15. Shimmer ft. Darlingside
On November 10, STL GLD will headline an album release show at Paradise Rock Club in Boston with support from 7L & Esoteric (of Czarface), Najee Janey and Toritori. Tickets and more information can be found at
A hip-hop band on the surface with punk rock sounds and attitudes weaved in throughout, STL GLD are Boston icons – winning numerous awards at Boston Music Awards – including Best Live Band and album of the year – and Best Band in Boston by Improper Bostonian. Their explosive live shows have had them share stages with the likes of Eminem, Khalid, and The Roots.
Formed in 2014 by Moe Pope and producer The Arcitype, STL GLD’s powerful message and exhilarating live show has quickly earned them the reputation as one the most exciting bands to come out of New England. The group is also one to confront the status quo head on.
STL GLD is Moe Pope, The Arcitype, Christopher Talken, Jonathan Ulman, and Tim Hall.
