Nigerian rapper Thutmose releases Black Lives Matter-inspired visuals for “On The Run”

Genre-bending Nigerian singer and rapper, Thutmose has released a music video to compliment his newest single, “On The Run.” After moving from Lagos to Brooklyn, Thutmose began his career by dropping out of college and folding clothes for studio time money. These moments would precipitate into opening for Billie Eillish on her first tour and contributing to the Grammy nominated Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack with his solo track, “Memories”. His 2018 debut mixtape, Man On Fire featuring Jay Critch and Desiigner as well as his handful of EPs showcase his spectrum of influences and unique product blending elements of rock, pop, R&B, and hip-hop.

The message behind the track comes from Thutmose’s reaction to the Black Lives Matter movement, and specifically celebrating the women working tirelessly to perpetuate it. He articulated this in saying, “This song is dedicated to all the women who have been fighting on the frontlines and leading these historic movements while still not being championed as I feel they should be, From Oluwatoyin Salau to the 3 women who founded Black Lives Matter, This is for them.” The music video mirrors this sentiment with footage of generations of women participating in protests, facing police brutality, and working to achieve equality.

The track is a powerful, driving anthem to match the tone of the video. Producer Dan Farber is able to touch on many of the different tools Thutmose possesses with “On The Run’s” production direction. He teases brief, narrative orchestral swells that give way to nostalgic yet predatory bass runs. An assertive, crunchy percussion section marches beneath Thutmose’s determined vocal delivery. The track builds in sonic stature as it allows the synths to come to the forefront, ramping up for a theatric chorus. 

“On the Run” is available to stream now via the King Thut LLC division of Empire Records.

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