Cyrus Langhorne
[With their new “Cuz I’m Black” already a viral hit, Vintage Nation’s Ink and Jow exclusively speak to SOHH about their powerful song’s concept and its accompanying music video.]
The song “Cuz I’m Black” came about when I was having another session with a friend and he must have listened to some of the music and said, “Eh yo, dang Ink, why are you so talented?” And my natural response was, “Because I’m black.”
So everybody started cracking up and I was like ‘Wow, we’re going to make that a song.’ About a week later, we went into the booth, got the beat, recorded it and just did it one take through with the emotion and it just came out crazy. The song has gravitated. –Ink
From a powerful aspect, it’s just what the revolution needs right now. We don’t celebrate ourselves enough. That’s why we’re going to do it like this. –Jow
A couple of our supporters came up with the idea. [The music video creator] just kept saying, “I love that song. I love that song so much. It’s going to be one of the greatest songs.” He said he was going to make the video and I kept laughing it off. But then he sent it to me in my e-mail one day and we opened up and they had put it together.
We kind of went back and forth, adding some things to it. It came out real. Everybody loved it and it’s actually their idea. –Ink
There were a lot of moments in the video that stand out, especially looking at the Bill Cosby moment and of course there’s a picture of myself and I like that one. I like one of the shots with Polow [Da Don] and one with Ink in it. I don’t really have a favorite, but those are the ones that come to my mind. I always see those first. –Jow
I love the Serena [Williams] moment, I love the gymnast one with the young female working it. She added her style to it. I like the one with The Roots and the one with Lauryn Hill. I just love even the people you don’t even recognize. I like that aspect of it too because it’s not all about the celebrities. It’s not all about the well-known, sometimes it’s about the everyday. I like the everyday people sprinkled in there. -Ink
Stay connected to Vintage Nation on social media:
Twitter: @i_am_ink @Vintage_Nation
Instagram: @Spillmyink @jowvn @Vintage_Nation
Vintage Nation is a Georgia grown band comprised of lead singer and guitarist Atia Boggs, better known as Ink, and guitarist Joseph Davis, better known as Jow. These free spirited and talented musicians have made a name for themselves street performing throughout Atlanta and playing in numerous festivals including SXSW, A3C and One Music Fest. Advocates of love and good vibes, this group brings a unique sound and style to today’s musical landscape. Not only does Ink write her own songs but she has also written for the likes of Usher, Rick Ross, Tamar Braxton, Keri Hilson, Moncia and Trae Tha Truth. Ink’s voice is captivating and soulful and her classic sound has been recognized by some of the biggest stars like Andre 3000 and Lauryn Hill. Vintage Nation’s musical inspirations include Jimi Hendrix, Arrested Development, Janis Joplin, Tracy Chapman and Bob Marley just to name a few. Currently, Vintage Nation has teamed up with super producer Polow da Don to create their debut album. Without a doubt, Vintage Nation’s passion and spirit will touch the world and be the voice for the new generation.
