Upon listening to “Survival” (unreleased) by SumOfMan featuring Jamel Griot, the song flashed me back to when cartoon series The Boondocks (Aaron McGruder) came out on Adult Swim (Cartoon Network) back in 2005 with artists on their roster like Asheru.
“Survival,” produced by Kontraband Beats is a well-made golden-era underground Hip Hop produced by SumOfMan of The Oakland Mind (founded by Najee Amaranth AKA SumOfMan and Amani Jade). Blending some Manga anime of Ogun Montgomery with some ‘flow-worthy,’ ‘get your hands in the air‘ lyrics and a boom-bap style beat, makes this a song that has the ability to reach millions. This song is an anthem for many living in the “concrete jungle” just trying to survive this cruel world.
The Oakland Mind, who is also a part of Oakland’s Hip Hop 4 Change, who; according to their website, their motto is, “remixing education, social justice and the arts,” is in the position in the independent music and arts scene in the Bay Area is to make creative writing accessible for youth.
“Working with youth is important because they are the future. The Bay Area is known for social programs and arts; we’re just passing that down.” SumOfMan shares his passion for working with youth.
Recently, SumOfMan dropped his album, “The Cookout,” on July 4, 2024, an effortlessly cool summer take on backyard shindigs and their essential soundtracks. Our standout track, “Money Can’t Buy Love,” features a dynamic collaboration with Amani Jade. Their combined emcee style evokes the laid-back vibe of Digable Planets meeting the sermonic wisdom of a Brother Ben X (channeling Minister Louis Farrakhan), all harmonized over classic boom-bap jazz backbeats. What’s great is that this music is going to go great with Summer 2025!
We are asking our readers to check out “Survival” on Youtube and leave your comments on SumOfMan’s page. For more information about SumofMan and The Oakland Mind, check out the links below.
All Up In The IG’s
Jamel Griot
The Oakland Mind is…
SumOfMan
Amani Jade
Hip Hop 4 Change
Prototype Beats AKA Kontraband Beats
