by Marlon West (FB: marlon.west1 Threads: @stlmarlonwest IG: stlmarlonwest Bluesky: @marlonweststl.bsky.social Spotify: marlonwest)
Back in February, Gorillaz shared a new eight-minute short film titled The Mountain, The Moon Cave & The Sad God. The beautiful hand-drawn animated film follows the adventures of the fictional band members Noodle, Murdoc, 2-D and Russel as they journey across India, in connection with the release of their new album, The Mountain.
For over 25 years, Gorillaz has functioned as a massive collaborative project helmed by Blur’s Damon Albarn and Tank Girl co-creator Jamie Hewlett. Their distinct sound, which fluidly blends hip-hop, electronic, and alternative rock, is defined by a dynamic roster of contributors, including both legendary figures and emerging artists.
Their collaborators include the late actor, Dennis Hopper, Carly Simon, Mick Jones & Paul Simonon of The Clash, Lou Reed, Shaun Ryder (Happy Mondays), Mark E. Smith (The Fall), The Cure’s frontman, Robert Smith, Beck, Vince Staples, Little Dragon, Kali Uchis, Bad Bunny and others.
This collection though focuses on their frequent partnerships with celebrated Black artists across hip-hop, soul, Afrobeat, and R&B. Notable past collaborators include the late Bobby Womack, the living treasure Mavis Staples, hip-hop royalty De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, and Mos Def/Yasiin Bey.
Other partners include Little Simz, who has contributed to the track “Garage Palace” and participated in the band’s tours. Del the Funky Homosapien provided the rap vocals on “Clint Eastwood” and “Rock the House,” and Bootie Brown is notable for his contributions to “Dirty Harry” and “Stylo”, along with many other great artists.
The Mountain continues that tradition featuring artists like Black Thought and Jalen Ngonda, as well as archived material from legends such as Tony Allen and Bobby Womack.
Hope you all enjoy this funky collection by the free-wheeling collective, Gorillaz.
As always, stay safe, sane, and kind!
