Four Fists share protest strategy, rap bangers in The Current studio
by Sean McPherson, Cecilia Johnson and Sanni Brown
October 17, 2018
P.O.S and Astronautalis have both performed in The Current's studio — but never at the same time. This week, they join hosts Sean McPherson and Sanni Brown on hip-hop/R&B program The Message to talk about their album 6666 and perform the title track, plus "Joe Strummr" and "Dork Court."
As most fans know, Four Fists dropped their first two songs in 2013 and couldn't make an album happen until 2018. As much as folks yearned for the music, this session hints why the wait may have been a good thing. First of all, time allowed them to select beats from several different producers — Cory Grindberg on "6666," Breakmaster Cylinder on "Dork Court" — and get them "pre-remixed" by Dutch artist Subp Yao, whose work unified the album's sound. But even moreso, these raps couldn't have been written by younger versions of Stef (P.O.S) and Astronautalis.
We Don't Even Live Here, P.O.S's 2012 "anarchist dance party" of a record, was intended to fix everything from consumerism to black culture. Early-career Astronautalis wanted his music to overturn everything — to "change the world." But at this point, both rappers realize that small acts of protest can be effective, and their job is to work smarter and sharper. According to Astronautalis, "The core of [6666] is getting to that adult level of protest."
In this session, Astronautalis shares a fascinating story about racism in the South versus the North. P.O.S surprises Sanni with what he's listening to lately. And the duo, standing alongside DJ Fundo, perform three splashy songs from 6666. Use the audio player above to listen to the full session.
Songs Performed
"6666"
"Joe Strummr"
"Dork Court"
All songs from Four Fists' 2018 album 6666, available via Doomtree Records.
Hosted by Sanni Brown and Sean McPherson for The Message
Produced by Derrick Stevens
Engineered by Michael DeMark
Visuals by Nate Ryan
Web feature by Cecilia Johnson
External Links
Four Fists - official site
Four Fists - Bandcamp
Four Fists - Facebook
