Subscribe

* indicates required
Okayplayer News

To continue reading

Create a free account or sign in to unlock more free articles.

By continuing, you agree to the Terms of Service and acknowledge our Privacy Policy

Blood Orange Sandra's Smile Video
Blood Orange Sandra's Smile Video

Watch Blood Orange's New Video For "Sandra's Smile"

Lenny Kravitz, Grace Jones, Lauryn Hill, Lion Babe, Thundercat, SZA & More Rock The Afropunk Festival 2015 in Brooklyn, NY.

Only a day after releasing the new single "Sandra's Smile," Blood Orange have now shared the official video for the track, a black and white trek through New York City that was directed by bandleader Dev Hynes himself. As Pitchfork points out, the visuals feature vibrant dance moves Waffle Crew, Junglepussy and Ian Isiah.

Musically, the track is a beautiful and funky tune, with a minimalist dusty beat and saxophones that echo from faraway places. Lyrically, however, Hynes has crafted a heart-rending statement on the injustices of present-day America. The "Sandra" of the new Blood Orange song is Sandra Bland, who passed away under disputed circumstances in a Texas jail after being arrested at a routine traffic stop this July. Other lines from the song directly reference Sybrina Fulton, the mother of Trayvon Martin. Hynes tweeted a collage depicting the song's social justice connections Tuesday:

Blood Orange have also announced a special one-off live show at New York City's Apollo Theater on December 12th. Proceeds from the night will benefit Opus 118 Harlem School of Music, and the evening has been billed as "Blood Orange and Friends." Hynes posted a statement about the concert online Wednesday:

Playing music saved my life; if it wasn't for the chance to play cello or piano when I was a kid growing up in Essex, I shudder to think where I'd be right now. At this point in my life, all that matters to me is giving back to communities and making people happy, so I have decided to put on a fun night of performances at the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem that is hopefully affordable to all, with all proceeds going to the Opus 118 Harlem School of Music. New York City, let's have some fun!

Watch the video for "Sandra's Smile" below and get more information on the upcoming benefit show by heading over to Blood Orange's website.