Mama Knoz "Black. Femme. Masc." Album Review
Review by: Josh Eiberg Writer @jooddityart
Edited by: Eric Martin, Writer/Editor @eamartin95
The definition of the word femme is a gay man (including individuals who also identify as male or non-binary). This also includes he/him, they/them pronouns who embrace identity markers that are associated with traditional expressions of femininity. Masc is also defined as an expression of masculinity even though an individual is not necessarily Femme/masc can also be an attitude and expression of the term.
2020-2021 have been years that focus on the pandemic, but for many artists, they have chosen to focus on key things creatively like writing about sexuality and how BIPOC communities have been treated. This is especially true for BIPOC artists to explore. Cardi B discussed the concept of reclaiming feminine energy with “WAP” and “Up”. Lil Nas X explored masculine, LGBTQ sexuality with ‘Montero (Call Me By Your Name)”. These songs came about after years and years of suppressing sexuality, especially when it comes to BIPOC communities. For a couple of years, the Twin Cities have been rough and somewhat depressive. One artist is at the caliber of Cardi B and Lil Nas X and their name is Mama Knoz, who recently released two singles, “Toes,” and “Black the Rich” off their new album, Black. Femme. Masc. This is an examination of an artist whose beginnings are in the 2021 gay club scene. These songs examined are the absolute best of their new album that dropped in 2021.
“Toes” is about having a sexy good time while playing with gender norms and even gender vocabulary. Mama Knoz starts out the song by proclaiming that they are going to get “nasty” and using wordplay on sis versus cis. The song reminds the listener of having a good time on the Saloon dance floor on a Friday or Saturday where the tops can make it drop. The cover art for “Toes” also reflects this aesthetic, as they are depicted with camo booty shorts and ballet shoes, just like a scene at your local gay bar, where erotic dancing is ballet.
“Black the Rich” is Mama Knoz’s response to what has been happening since the murder of George Floyd as well as what has been happening to BIPOC/LGBTQ populations for years. Knoz discusses the glamour of fly shoes and clothes, but there is nothing glamorous about survival as a member of these populations. The song doesn’t just focus on police brutality, but also on how the rich and politicians thrive. “The only change we make is the change where we do it from the inside, black the rich, black the office, black the 12/Act up, rise up”. Change is hard, but it is needed. The cover art depicts this as it shows a white, rich society, but a black box over the faces.
Even though “Toes” and “Black the Rich” are the lead singles on Black. Femme. Masc., the highlight has to be “Atari”. Mama Knoz commands the audience to use the #atarichallenge and for the queens to listen up and the white gay boys in the club to take notes. Most people know that Atari is a game system that uses side-to-side action in order to move a character back and forth, and Knox uses this movement to make you shake your butts with excitement.
Pride has already passed, and the rainbow flags have been lowered until June 2022. But Pride is year-round, and never will die. The LGBTQ community would not exist without black trans lives and the LGBTQ community needs to recognize that. Mama Knoz is possibly the next big thing out of these Twin Cities. Queer is the future and Black Lives Matter.
Follow Mama Knoz on Instagram: @mama.knoz
Listen to Mama Knoz’s Black. Femme. Masc. wherever you stream your music.
