SHARES NEW SINGLE & VISUALIZER “AIN’T SHIT”
Taboo
PRE-ORDER / SAVE: https://easiersaid.lnk.to/taboo
DMV-raised and Puerto Rico-based multidisciplinary artist Niambi announces her debut EP Taboo, due January 17th, 2025, via Easier Said. Taboo is a reflection of Niambi’s next phase as an artist, a new mother and a woman.
The title is a nuanced nod to the beliefs of African traditional religions but also dissects the internalization of societal rules. Taboo will include the new offering “Ain’t Shit,” which arrives today with a tranquil visualizer directed by CEOJAY. Speaking about “Ain’t Shit,” Niambi shares, “‘Ain’t Shit’ IS taboo. It’s personal, raw, REAL. This record is a peak into an intimate moment with myself, unpacking how messy love can be.”
Taboo is ultimately a celebration of freedom, with Niambi letting loose and showcasing her confidence in her various roles: rapper, singer, producer, songwriter, mother and spiritual leader. The project follows Niambi’s move from the DMV to Puerto Rico embracing the natural surroundings of Puerto Rico’s environment. Niambi shares about Taboo, “On this project, I’m giving myself permission to say what I need to say and do what I want to do. I’m allowing myself to take up more space. And I love it here.” While living in Puerto Rico Niambi has also established My Mother’s House, a spiritual organization honoring ancestral practices of the African Diaspora.
As a whole, Taboo explores the various sonic inspirations that have surrounded Niambi her whole life and can be heard on her recently released singles “Soccer Mom,” highlighted by Rolling Stone and CLASH Magazine, and “Rocksteady,” which also arrived with a visualizer directed by CEOJAY. “Soccer Mom” also arrived with a MajorStage live session featuring Portia Rolle on guitar, who is the grandmother of Niambi’s child and has played on records for artists including Elton John, Notorious B.I.G. and Lil Kim.
After establishing herself as one-half of the neo-soul / hip-hop duo OSHUN, Niambi is jumping headfirst into solo waters for the first time with Taboo. Niambi’s musical story was destined from the beginning. Born in Atlanta and raised in the DMV, she grew up watching her parents in Pan-African groups and jazz ensembles. Her parents were also the leading members of a neo-soul / funk band. While attending The Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU Tisch, Niambi met future OSHUN member Thandiwe, along with her partner / collaborator Proda, who produced “Soccer Mom” and “Rocksteady,” and her manager, who is still with her today.
During their tenure, OSHUN received acclaim from outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, The FADER, NPR, Paper, and collaborated with artists like Princess Nokia, Jorja Smith & LION BABE. The duo have also performed at Glastonbury, Afropunk and Melt! Festival, and were direct support for Lauryn Hill’s 2020 North American tour. In 2022, OSHUN released their final album, vol. ii.
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