The Blackest Thing On The Menu, a Bluegrass album.
Eyebrows may be raised at the sound of Gangstagrass - twangy instruments and high lonesome harmonies infused with block rocking beats and dope rhymes. While most music fans naturally embrace this innovative sound, there are industry insiders and traditionalists who are averse to placing Gangstagrass, and their new album “The Blackest Thing On The Menu” in the Bluegass category.
Is this album Bluegrass? First consider, what is Bluegrass?
Bluegrass is a distinct American musical genre that draws on a rich blend of sounds and traditions. Rooted in Appalachian culture, it combines the energy of country, the soul of blues, and the harmonies of gospel. But what really defines bluegrass are three essential elements: acoustic instrumentation, high-pitched vocal harmonies, and improvisation. While these core characteristics have remained constant, bluegrass has evolved, reflecting broader cultural and musical influences. Gangstagrass’ latest album, The Blackest Thing on the Menu, is a perfect example of how bluegrass continues to adapt while staying true to its roots.
Corresponding with its Appalachian roots, Bluegrass has been stereotyped with the same misperceptions as the place that birthed it - as a white, simple, backwards-looking tradition. In fact, Appalachia included many black coal miners and homesteaders, contributing a strong black influence on the musical traditions of the region that eventually defined Bluegrass. As the United States confronts the erasure of black figures from many of our cultural roots - whether cowboys, fiddlers, or squaredancers, we also must look again at the vibrance of black voices in the ongoing evolution of these practices and artforms.
Traditional bluegrass thrives on its unique ensemble of acoustic instruments: originally the banjo, mandolin, fiddle, guitar, and upright bass. Though Bill Monroe is credited with establishing the genre, the influence that Arnold Shultz, a black fiddle player, had on Monroe has been missing from most accounts. Even early on, musicians were innovating and evolving the genre, for example the inclusion of the Dobro as a frequent part of the sound violated the traditionalist formulation. Bill Monroe himself commented that the Dobro “Aint no part of nothin” but within a generation the Dobro was a key instrument in the majority of Bluegrass bands.
How The Blackest Thing on the Menu Embodies Bluegrass
At first glance, Gangstagrass might seem like a departure from traditional bluegrass. The fusion of bluegrass and hip-hop might raise eyebrows for purists, but The Blackest Thing on the Menu firmly roots itself in the genre's core elements while expanding its horizons. Here’s how the album stays true to the essence of bluegrass:
Acoustic Roots with a Modern Twist The acoustic instrumentation on the album is unmistakably bluegrass. Tracks feature the iconic twang of banjos, the drive of mandolins, and rich string melodies from fiddles and guitars. Yet, Gangstagrass adds layers with beats and rap verses, pushing bluegrass into contemporary territory. The acoustic backbone, however, remains a constant thread, tying the modern sounds to the traditional roots of the genre.
Vocal Harmony Meets Lyrical Flow Bluegrass harmonies are a cornerstone of The Blackest Thing on the Menu. While the album embraces hip-hop's lyrical flow, the vocal arrangements carry on the bluegrass tradition of harmony. The fusion of rap verses with harmonious choruses creates a fresh sound that honors bluegrass' vocal intensity while exploring themes of struggle, resilience, and joy.
Improvisation Across Genres Just as bluegrass thrives on improvisation, The Blackest Thing on the Menu showcases the musicians' ability to improvise, but not just in the instrumental sense. The blending of bluegrass and hip-hop itself is a form of genre improvisation. The album shifts between breakneck banjo solos and freestyle rap, capturing the spirit of improvisation and collaboration that defines both genres. The dynamic interplay between traditional bluegrass instrumentation and modern beats adds to the improvisational energy, making each track feel alive and in the moment. This happens so seamlessly because of the many features that Bluegrass and Hip-Hop share as musical forms developed by poor communities to allow spontaneous collaboration.
Bluegrass is a genre that values tradition, but also innovation. Its essential elements—acoustic instrumentation, vocal harmonies, and improvisation—provide the foundation, but the genre continues to grow and evolve. Gangstagrass’ The Blackest Thing on the Menu brings bluegrass into the modern age, expanding its boundaries while staying true to its roots. The album exemplifies how bluegrass is more than just a sound—it’s a living, breathing tradition that continues to reflect and adapt to the world around it. The influence of Hip-Hop is seen throughout the world, and is a natural addition to the Bluegrass tradition.
What is Bluegrass? It’s the sound of tradition meeting innovation, and Gangstagrass is leading the charge in keeping this American genre as vibrant as ever.