Hip-hop rock band, STL GLD, have officially released their much anticipated new studio album ‘Rock Boyega’ today via AR Classic Records. The album includes the previously released singles “Resisting”, “Shimmer” feat. Darlingside, and “Caterpillars”, which have received praise from the likes of Afropunk, Consequence, Boston Herald, Vanyaland, and more.
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.
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’ is an album that encapsulates an immense amount of change for the band,” says co-founder, bandmember and producer, The Arcitype. “Each member went through dramatic personal life changes during the making of this album, and were simultaneously dealing with the pandemic along with the rest of the world. I think it’s fair to say we’re not the same people or the same band that we were when our last album came out. I think we were looking to try to separate ourselves sonically a little from who we had been as a band up through the last album, and this album allowed us to begin to do that.”
“I’m not ok, never have been,” adds rapper and co-founder Moe Pop. “The fact that I have survived the things I have in my lifetime shows my resilience and strength though. I needed the world to stop for me to allow myself the space to see that, like a lot of people did during that time. This album was the journey of me trying to build myself back up again. Hip Hop music is young people screaming, about wants and dreams or problems of today, but for me, making this particular album during this time in history, was like a warm hug, a therapy session and a loud weapon all at the same time.”
Last night the band performed an epic set at Paradise Rock Club celebrating the release of the album.
‘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
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.
