Watch

Read

Listen

Go

Play

Shop

Community

Play (Lists)

UglyFace Stay True with “Ain’t For Sale”

By Charlie Maybee

The California based collective of rappers known as UglyFace have added another in a string of singles released this year. “Ain’t For Sale” is laid back track that brings rhythmically percussive lyrics overtop old school R&B vibes with synthesizers and funky guitar riffs.

Lyrically, this song tackles the classic discussion about the line between an artist who sells out rather than staying authentic, but, as the title implies, UglyFace takes a firm stance to maintain the vibes they have meticulously crafted over the years. “I control my light and it ain’t for sale” they declare during the chorus making it clear that the ability to make decisions about their lifestyle and music are non-negotiable.

There’s a nice bump in the lyrics and guitar that will keep you engaged despite the more chill ambience provided sustained piano and synthesizers. It strikes a nice balance between being fun and informative as they continue to bring attention to important cultural conversations through their music. The music isn’t as decadent as hip hop can be (especially in the mainstream), but the lyrics are ripe with critical thinking. UglyFace takes a slightly less beaten path as they dial back the level of attack and rev up our consciousness.

“Ain’t For Sale” is available on majors streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. Check it out below and find this and more great music on the Alchemical Records Multigenre Mixture playlist on Spotify.

Charlie Maybee

Charlie Maybee is a dancer, musician, educator, and writer based in Charleston, South Carolina who currently teaches with the Dance Program at the College of Charleston. His primary work as an artist is with his performing collective, Polymath Performance Project, through which he makes interdisciplinary performance art that centers tap dance as the primary medium of expression and research. He also currently plays rhythm guitar for the Charleston-based punk band, Anergy, and releases music as a solo artist under the name Nox Eterna.

Join the Alchemical Records Street Team to promote these and other artists, live music, and music community organizations & events while receiving cool perks from artists throughout the region.

More to explore

Foghat Sonic Mojo 2024 Tour. Fillmore Silver Spring, MD March 9
DMV

Foghat’s Roger Earl Refuses to Slow His Ride

By this point in his life, Foghat founding drummer Roger Earl has visited quite a few doctors. But what may be surprising is that the percussionist, 77, is quick to point out that many of the medical professionals who have worked on him also enjoy rocking out.

“Nearly all the doctors and surgeons I know, they all play something: trumpet, sax, violin, guitar,” Earl said recently. “There’s not too many drummers that are surgeons, there’s probably a good reason for that!”

Earl half-jokingly invites his surgeon-rockers to join him and the other members of Foghat onstage at the Fillmore in Silver Spring March 9, where they will be headlining the Rock and Roll for Children Foundation benefit for the Children’s Inn at NIH. Earl, the only original member of Foghat still in the band, will be banging the skins behind guitarist Bryan Bassett and other members Scott Holt and Rodney O’Quinn. “Slow Ride,” the band’s 1975 megahit, is all but assured to be on the setlist, along with tunes from Foghat’s most recent record, “Sonic Mojo.”

Read More »