Premiere: The Coup, ‘The Magic Clap’
The Coup‘s biting political lyrics have long raised eyebrows but on “The Magic Clap,” the rap group gives a more lighthearted take on FBI interrogation. MC Boots Riley is apprehended by suits before Pam the Funkstress steps in to free him, letting the hero escape on a bike. “The Magic Clap” snaps and shakes with Riley’s soulful flow and a gritty, funky bassline.
“‘The Magic Clap’ is about a quantitative to qualitative leap, an imaginary sound that happens in the moment when thought turns to action. The lyrics of this song reflect my desire to not simply write clever lyrics, but to write songs filled with passion,” Riley tells Rolling Stone. “We made this video in my neighborhood in West Oakland. It’s an absolutely true story based on the time I was apprehended by the FBI while performing, tortured and then [saved by] Pam the Funkstress. The bike I ride in the video is the one I get around Oakland on.”
“The Magic Clap” is on the Coup’s upcoming album, Sorry to Bother You, set for release on October 30th.