Jamila Woods, a singer from Chicago, has just released her new track this past Thursday.
Woods is widely known for singing on Chance the Rapper’s “Blessings” and Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment’s “Sunday Candy”.
The Contemporary R&B singer finds herself taking inspiration from many, including Erykah Badu and Kendrick Lamar.
In particular, Woods’ new song, “SULA (Paperback)”, is an ode to famous American author Toni Morrison.
The song was inspired by Morrison’s 1974 novel, Sula, the first Morrison novel Woods ever read.
According to Woods, Morrison’s novel provided her with the space to push her own boundaries. The novel inspired Woods to embrace herself more.
Woods recently shared in an Instagram post that Morrison’s words allowed her to “better understand herself“.
“SULA (Paperback)” is intended to honor Morrison along with her fictional characters.
Woods’ 2019 release of LEGACY!LEGACY! also had a driving force working behind it. Founded as a concept album, each track focuses on a different artist of color.
Artists on the album include James Baldwin and Frida Kahlo.
Prior to her solo projects, Woods worked in a duo known as M&O (Milo & Otis).
The pair featured Woods along with Brown University classmate, Own Hills. The duo fit into the category of “silky R&B”, and their 2012 EP, The Joy, featured well known Chance the Rapper.
Woods’ new track comes via a release by Jagjaguwar. Jagjaguwar is an independent American record label, holding offices in cities including Los Angeles, New York, Paris and Amsterdam.
You can listen to Jamila Woods’ new track, “SULA (Paperback)”, here.
