written by : SAMAIYA KIRBY
At first glance, Supernegus feels like a high-concept, Black superhero odyssey. Its reminencent
of something like a Marvel movie parody directed by the Wayans brothers. The title alone
evokes a world where a group of Black superheroes take on systemic oppression and white
supremacy, fighting for the people with a blend of power, wisdom, and cultural pride. But once
you step into the album, you realize it’s something deeper, something layered. Possibly even
something that may take a few listens to fully grasp.
The album kicks off with Ballad of Supernegus, which sets the tone with its cinematic
production. Its definitely something that could easily play over the intro credits of a satirical yet
poignant superhero flick. The chorus however? Not a fan. It drags down an otherwise interesting opener.
Then there’s the next track, which isn’t even a song. Maybe it’s an interlude, maybe it’s a
storytelling device, but it’s not immediately clear. And that becomes a recurring theme
throughout the album. Personally, I think that the interludes and skits are taking up too much
space on the project, making the album feel much longer than it has to be.
Knew Sun is a remix, and while context from previous projects isn’t necessary, it does feel like
something longtime fans might appreciate more than a casual listener. The production is a
standout, it feels like a live jazz band cooked up the beat, giving it a warm, rich sound. That said,
the ending? Pure chaos. And yet another interlude.
Then comes War which is arguably one of the most powerful moments on the album. The
message is clear, direct, and high vibrational. It speaks to the collective struggle and resilience of
the community and overall, it’s the kind of track that just sticks with you. Love follows suit with
a compelling story, making it another highlight.
But the album’s pacing starts to drag. Higher has an interesting look at spirituality, while tracks
like Heal Thyself and the Reparations Interlude actually caught my attention in a way the others
didn’t. the overall experience of the album is weighed down by its length and the excessive use
of skits and interludes. It’s not that they don’t serve a purpose, it’s that they disrupt the flow too
much.
Overall, my final thoughts are that without first listening to Sweet Dozier Vol. 1, the expectation
might be that Supernegus is a carefully curated, creative project centered on a fantastical group
of Black superheroes taking on political threats. And in some ways, it is. But after sitting with
the album, it becomes clear that it’s less about the fantasy and more about real-world struggles,
resilience, love, spirituality, healing, and the ongoing battle against systemic oppression.