Fantastic Negrito is a man’s truth told in the form of black roots music. Each song a real story about a musician from Oakland who experienced the highs of a million dollar record deal, the lows of a near fatal car accident that left him in a coma, and is now in the phase of rebirth – despite his playing hand being mangled.
After taking a long break to start a weed business and raise a family, Negrito returned to music in 2014, playing on the streets of Oakland. From there things started to move – winning NPR’s inaugural Tiny Desk Contest in 2015; performing with Sturgill Simpson, Solange, Chris Cornell and Temple of the Dog; and ultimately winning the Grammy for Best Contemporary Blues album in 2017, for his first full-length album The Last Days of Oakland.
But none of this has been about awards or acclaim or validation. Negrito chased those before – and it nearly killed him. Now, as he looks around, he sees the world going on a similar journey…especially America. This is a man who knows what it looks like to drive off a cliff.
America has lost its way, and now we are paying the price. Fantastic Negrito’s new album Please Don’t Be Dead, is about what comes next.
When you listen to Negrito, you’re invited to hear the story of life after destruction. For anyone who ever felt like it was over yet hoped it wasn’t, this is your music.
