Newark New Jersey producer TAH kicks off our 11th edition of our PRESS PLAY mix series. The NJ-representer took some time to share words with Never Normal in honor of this commemorative Juneteenth mix.
Juneteenth is one of America’s oldest holidays and is observed each year on June 19 to mark the official end of slavery in the US. As a label founded by a woman descendant of enslaved people this holiday has a sincere significance to Never Normal.
Check the dynamic mix and interview below.
Who are you?
A Newark nigga, TAH. nothing more nothing less. I exist and that’s enough to be proud of.
How have you been lately?
Good.
What does Juneteenth mean to you?
BLACK CULTURAL IDENTITY. fuck all the bs, regardless of what this country has done to black people. that date belongs to us and represents exactly those things we have gone through. it means finally bringing all black folk in this country a shared history and roots that have actually been acknowledged and we can build from. whatever our solution is it starts with creating or rather appreciating the shared experiences of our ancestors to unite us in the present.
What is your passion for flag imagery?
We don’t have anything that represents us [Black Americans] in that world. Every nation needs a flag. There’s a whole wild psychology behind a flag, especially if it represents you. The LGBTQ movement been peeped game. That’s why there is so many [supporting]. Black people, businesses, everything, needs those [symbols] to speak to other people; like “This is a Black business.” “Black people are welcome here.” “This is a Black neighborhood.” “You are safe.”
The Pan-African flag was made specifically for uniting ALL PEOPLE of the African Diaspora, while the flags I’m pushing are specific to the Black American experience.
What’s your new work like?
Some ambient, some hella drums. I wouldnt say its become more aggressive just more of an emotion now.
Who inspires you?
My grandfather to be honest, but also every person in my life. I try to take at least one lesson from everyone I consider near and dear whether its learned the hard way or the easy way.
What’s your favorite thing about where you live?
Newark is one of the few Chocolate Cities left in this country. Many of them are gone or are on their way to disappearing due to non black gentrification. That’s why I cherish it so much. My city already encapsulates so much black history. Gentrification has even begun to hit Newark in recent years but a lot of business still remains majority poc and new businesses emerge every day.
Would you live anywhere else in the world? Where?
I mean of course, I want to see the world. I want to live in multiple places. I want to live in the desert or deep woods or somewhere secluded with hella land, at the same time I know there’s nowhere that makes me feel like I do in Newark. I would still keep a house or apartment in the city, and try and still be active on the local level with the community.
What do you do when you’re not doing music?
Tend to my indoor plants and garden, skateboard, hike, bike, hang out with friends
What do you want more than anything in the world?
Black folks to respect each other. more mental health programs for poc folk. unity across the board fuck whatever country you from, gender you identify as.. you are black. we are black. there is no reason we should be turning on each other. this statement is moreso directed at our men.
Any last words?
ARM WOMEN OF COLOR. ARM QUEER FOLKS OF COLOR.
