Rapper/Singer DeJ Loaf and throwback soul singer Leon Bridges make a formidable team on the socially-conscious single, “Liberated.”

Socially-changed songs are often some of the best and most meaningful songs written and performed. “Liberated” qualifies as that breed of song.  The single brings together two truly great artists that deserve more recognition than they receive.  DeJ Loaf is a truly compelling urban artist who can both rap and sing like a champ – watch out for her.  As for Leon Bridges, he released his sophomore album, Good Thing, in 2018, which debuted at no. 3 on the Billboard 200.

Dej Loaf kicks off the liberation, representing for “the girls that don’t need no makeup when they wake up” as well as “the introverts, no, we don’t gotta say much.”  She follows up the verse with a pre-chorus that encourages freedom of expression and a lack of judgement for sexuality or race.  Leon Bridges confirms the liberation on the chorus, beaming (through the audio of course) as he sings:

“People gettin’ liberated

Get up on your feet if you got the feeling

Hey, get up on your feet.”

Bridges takes the second verse, supporting the movement, urging, “Baby, break on outta your chains / You don’t have to aim to please, or be a certain way.”  Later on the bridge, DeJ Loaf adds more reflectiveness and wisdom, only strengthening the messaging and overall success of “Liberated.”  Adding to that success is the sunny, tropically-tinged urban contemporary production.  What better to deliver a message of freedom than a backdrop that full supports it?

Final Thoughts

Wow, DeJ Loaf and Leon Bridges make a formidable team.  “Liberated” is truly an awesome, thoughtful record that is fitting for the times we live in.  It is a message of being nonjudgmental and supportive as opposed to racist, misunderstanding, or insensitive.  #Nailed it.

DeJ Loaf & Leon Bridges • Liberated – Single • Columbia • Release: 6.8.18

Photo Credit: Columbia