Because of all of these current events, I wanted to take a look at these lyrics, and why I feel they’re impactful.įor the first 4 minutes and 25 seconds of the nearly 10 minute track, we are transported to ancient Egypt by the eerie synths and reversed 808s that bring a surreal, and unnerving feeling to the track. And it feels more relevant than ever in my life at this current moment, when the dignity of black women is put under a microscope even by members of our community. I like this song a lot, it’s probably one of my favorite songs ever. But the exploitation and hyper-fetishization of the group contributes to degradation that has permeated through generations. On his 2012 album Channel Orange, track 10 titled “Pyramids” tells the story of the fall from grace of black women throughout history from Queens to prostitutes, using Cleopatra as an embodiment of the black queen. One of the most notable references, in my opinion, to Cleopatra and her influence comes from Frank Ocean. Cleopatra’s reputation precedes her, whether it’s a pale Elizabeth Taylor’s longing gaze or Shakespeare’s rendition of her seductress tendencies. One of the most notable was that of Egypt, and the last as well as one of the most infamous Pharaohs, Cleopatra VII. I get mad because I know the stories of African royalty, of wealthy Kings and Queens that ruled nations before colonization. When I think of the exploitation of black women, I get mad, honestly.
You don’t have to be the victim of a hate crime to feel the racial injustice that is deeply embedded in not just our country, but our entire world. While I myself haven’t faced great amounts of sexism and racism on a day to day basis in my progressive area, the mixture of micro-aggressions and the viewing of systemic inequalities has made me extremely aware that this society was not built to serve and protect me.
The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” To this day, that statement rings unfortunately true and resonates deep within myself. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. Imagine lots of dry ice, a velvet-covered rotating stage and the entire front row sighing, “I love you, Frank”.In 1962, Malcolm X spoke the words, “The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. “Playing ‘Pyramids’ on the road is gonna be my favourite part,” he wrote on Twitter recently. Does writing for Beyoncé not pay like it used to? Although it’s possible he’ll splurge more lyrics, videos and songs on his must-follow Tumblr at any moment, for now all we know is that the new album ‘Channel Orange’ is coming out on July 17, that his preoccupation with the road is likely to influence it (the ‘Nostalgia, Ultra’ car appears in a teaser trailer) and this song will definitely get an outing on his upcoming US tour. Coming in at almost 10 minutes long and featuring sexy Simpsons characters on the cover (warning: may result in some new, confusing feelings) it’s an R&B odyssey slinking from ancient Egypt – where wild cheetahs are on the loose and Cleopatra meets a snakey doom – to the present day where Frank is living that sleazy motel room life. This week alone, NME has spent at least two days having our minds freaked on by its space funk swirl. Like Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’, Frank Ocean’s ‘Pyramids’ is the kind of track you’ll lose hours and hours of your life to.
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