This emphasis of blackness and black art is a big reason why Starr felt it was crucial to record the album live in Charleston, where he feels it is often difficult for such musicians to find stages willing to host them.
“We gonna be black as hell in here tonight,” he offers during one of the album’s many candid mid-song asides. “So if being black as hell tonight is too much for y’all, then somebody might need to show y’all — there’s two exit signs right here.” — Jordan Lawrence