TV on The Radio

Coin Coin Chapter Five: In the garden… is the latest instalment in composer, improviser, saxophonist, and visual artist Matana Roberts’ visionary project exploring African-American history through ancestry, archive and place. Weaving together elements of jazz, avant-garde composition, folk and spoken word, Roberts tells the story of a woman in their ancestral line, who died following complications from an illegal abortion. At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, her story takes on new resonance. “I wanted to talk about this issue, but in a way where she gets some sense of liberation,” Roberts explains. By unpacking family stories and conducting extensive research in US public archives, Roberts has created a rounded portrait of a woman who is, as their lyrics put it, “electric, alive, spirited, fire and free.”

Though it was technically a surprise drop, Jay Z and Beyoncé’s joint album Everything Is Love was a long time coming. It’s no secret fans have spent the last several years holding their collective breath for the collaborative project, enduring countless rumors, teasers, and the occasional letdown. But just when many of us started losing hope, the Carters came through and abruptly dropped the long-awaited project exclusively on Tidal, reminding their battalion of stans that “all good things come to those who wait.” And god knows we’ve waited long enough.