In a music industry often swayed by trends and fleeting fads, Lionide stands as a potent reminder of the transformative power of art. Independent, unapologetically lyrical, and unwaveringly heart-strong, this reggae artist delivers music that not only makes you move but also makes you think—deeply. As his latest singles—“How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?”, “Murda By Cop,” and “Active Shoota”—continue to ignite radio airwaves, Lionide proves once again that reggae has always been more than just rhythm and bass. It’s a vessel of truth, a medium for protest, and a source of healing.
With his soul-rooted conviction, Lionide approaches music as a mission, not just a craft. “There is a greater purpose to music than love, fun, and party,” he declares. “Music is wholesome. Music represents life… and each life and every moment of each life can be represented by music.” His vision for reggae transcends entertainment, embracing the full breadth of human emotion and experience. To Lionide, music is a refuge, a motivator, a form of empowerment that can uplift individuals and communities. This ethos is at the core of his new singles, each a lyrical and melodic force unto itself.
“How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?”: A Striking Manifesto for Change
Lionide’s song “How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?” is a testament to his bravery and his refusal to shy away from uncomfortable truths. With penetrating lyrical clarity, he speaks from the perspective of a Black man who has lived through the harsh realities of systemic oppression. The song delves into the alienation and frustration felt by minorities who are too often dismissed or invalidated by those who do not share their lived experiences. Every verse pulses with the raw energy of personal pain and collective suffering, wrapped in hypnotic reggae rhythms that make the message all the more compelling. The song is not merely a recounting of historical and contemporary injustices, but a call to action. Lionide’s lyrical prowess transforms the conversation about systemic racism from a distant political debate into a visceral emotional reckoning. The driving question in the title itself challenges listeners to confront their own understanding of systemic inequality. This is a track that demands attention, thought, and ultimately, change.
“Murda By Cop”: Tough Love and a Family’s Cry for Justice
If “How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?” tackles the broad sociopolitical landscape, “Murda By Cop” zeroes in on a tragically familiar narrative—police violence. But Lionide approaches this topic with a nuanced, familial perspective. This track is a conversation, an elder’s counsel to the younger generation, urging wisdom in the face of societal dangers that disproportionately affect young Black men. It’s a hard-hitting narrative of tough love, delivered with a warmth that only someone who truly cares about the next generation can impart. In “Murda By Cop,” Lionide takes on the role of both storyteller and sage, blending wisdom and warning in equal measure. The reggae backdrop, with its infectious grooves, doesn’t detract from the gravity of the subject matter. Instead, it heightens the emotional impact, offering listeners both solace and a call to remain vigilant. This is not just music—it’s a communal reckoning with trauma, injustice, and survival.
“Active Shoota”: A Heartfelt Plea for Accountability
The final piece in this triad of impactful singles is “Active Shoota,” a song that takes on one of the most disturbing and recurrent crises of our time—mass shootings. In an era where the words “active shooter” flash across news screens far too often, Lionide’s track is both a plea and a demand. The chorus, haunting yet melodic, echoes with urgency: “There’s an active shooter out there. What will it take to save the next innocent life?” Lionide confronts not just the violence itself but the societal apathy that often follows such tragedies. His plea isn’t only directed at policymakers but at every listener, urging them to consider the cost of inaction. With its deep basslines and hypnotic reggae rhythms, “Active Shoota” strikes a delicate balance between anger, sorrow, and a yearning for change. The song cuts through the noise of political debates and media sensationalism, offering a deeply human response to a dehumanizing crisis.
Each of these tracks—“How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?”, “Murda By Cop,” and “Active Shoota”—are lifted from Lionide’s critically acclaimed 11-track album “Away My Pain”. This body of work is more than just a collection of songs—it’s a journey through the complexities of modern life, especially for those who find themselves on the margins of society. With every note and every word, Lionide pours his heart into this album, drawing from personal experience, cultural heritage, and a deep well of empathy. At a time when music is often commodified and stripped of its deeper meaning, Lionide’s “Away My Pain” reminds us of reggae’s true purpose: to heal, to uplift, and to tell the truth. The album showcases his ability to blend infectious grooves with lyrical depth, making his work both timeless and relevant in today’s fractured world. The beats may get you swaying, but the lyrics will make you think, feel, and reflect.
As his music continues to climb the airwaves, Lionide is proving himself not only as a reggae artist but as a voice for the voiceless. His independent spirit, combined with his lyrical sharpness and emotional authenticity, sets him apart in an industry that too often prioritizes spectacle over substance. Lionide’s music resonates deeply because it comes from a place of truth, powered by his belief that music can be a force for real change. For fans of reggae—or simply for those who believe in the power of music to heal and transform—Lionide’s “Away My Pain” is an album not to be missed. Each track offers a new perspective, a new story, and a new opportunity to engage with the world around us in a meaningful way. Lionide’s music is not just a soundtrack for the moment; it’s a guide for navigating the complexities of life in an increasingly complicated world. And with tracks like “How Can You Say It’s Not Systemic?”, “Murda By Cop,” and “Active Shoota,” Lionide is doing more than just making music—he’s starting conversations, sparking change, and ultimately, lifting us all higher.
STREAMS & DOWNLOADS: https://lionide.hearnow.com
