Alternative hip-hop/actor/writer/slam poet Saul Williams, best known for his starring role in the 1998 indie film Slam, has recently released the music video for “Dare” a track off his sixth studio album, Encrypted and Vulnerable, which was released this past July. In avant-garde fashion, Williams presents a psychedelically rendered free-flowing visual for “Dare”.  A forthcoming limited vinyl release for the aforementioned album is currently available for pre-order.

The music video for “Dare” explores a narrative and visual landscape in regards to the song’s message to be critical of societal norms. A message that can resonate in regards to politics, religion and a wide range of issues that adhere to certain standards and practices, that are prevalently devisive. As described in a recent article on Complex “Dare” is a “…a cacophonous whirlwind of distorted noise and industrial rhythms, held together by the rapper, actor, author and poet’s free-flowing, spoken word style.” The takeaway from the track can be summed up for the audience to be “…encouraged to break down the systems and barriers that keep us divided on a societal level, make sure to also take in his message of self-love and unity on an individual level. Most importantly, just keep in mind that inaction can be just as harmful as willfully upholding those same structures.”

As previously reported here on mxdwn, Williams latest music offering can’t be pigeonholed as just another hip hop album. In regards to Encrypted and Vulnerable, “Williams continues to showcase his dynamism and unbridled creative mind on his newest album. The poet also paints a picture of a society in distress with his words but does so elegantly. Entirely written and produced by Williams, Encrypted & Vulnerable is an impressive showcasing of experimental ideas and soundscapes that leave the listener with a lot to think about.”  To simply highlight Williams virtuosity in spoken word can also diminish the grander scope that Williams conveys in his music.

Speaking to Complex via e-mail Williams states, “If you can’t find the courage to face a truth beyond your supposed flyness, beyond your patriotic or patriarchal duties (which is always & simply to uphold the patriarchy each and every time you defend it), beyond your fidelity to your job, or your bank account, or your status as popular, if that’s all that’s important to you: Fuck you. Think different. I dare you.”

To watch “Dare” stream below, via YouTube.

Photo Credit: Marisa Rose Ficara