By Cynthia Gross
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Washington, D.C.-based Ethiopian-American rapper THUNDA MAN expresses gratitude for second chances with his uplifting new single, “LORD of LORDs.” Grounded by his own lived experiences and triumph over adversity, the song carries a powerful message for all audiences: during hard times, hold to what you know is true. You’ve made it this far, and you have what it takes to overcome your current challenge, too.
THUNDA MAN aka Ras Nebyu began his music career as a producer but found it difficult to get artists to use his beats. His solution was to take matters into his own hands by pairing his compositions with his own voice, and after more than a decade, he’s still going strong. His style fuses hip-hop and reggae.
“Open your heart / Come and ride this wave like Noah’s arch,” THUNDA MAN sings in the opening lines of the track. The song’s upbeat hip-hop vibes feel empowering despite the weighty subject matter.
As THUNDA MAN thinks about his mother, he notes, “My tears coulda filled up Lake Tana.” He then connects his personal struggles to larger inequities experienced by the global Black community: “400 years we caught in trauma / Babylon still give us drama.”
THUNDA MAN’s incorporation of uplifting language throughout the song is especially noteworthy. Audiences realize that his faith is what keeps him strong for himself and for his family despite the circumstances.
In a past feature promoting THUNDA MAN’s latest album Uptown Lion Walkin, OkayAfrica states, “Nebyu doesn’t hold much back when he speaks, like his music. He preaches about belonging to his community, gentrification, and the diaspora. His work serves as a strong soundboard, for not only his Ethiopian community but D.C. natives.” And we couldn’t agree more.
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
