I'm not gonna lie bro, you're the only diaspora writer I've encountered who cuts any deeper than "the white kids at school think my lunch smells weird", this vid and the album as a whole moved me in a way that not a lot of music has. Huge props, the harvard brown community's got ur back.
The day this came out . I needed to find a text to analyze for school. I finally found something. But then this showed up and I knew I had to write about this. As a Ghanaian This resonated some of the sentiments I have but never had the words for. Thank you Riz.
This is the inner voice of the entire sub continent, especially us Pakistanis. You are so brave, so outspoken and take a clean, precise strike at those powers who hold us down like chains. This gives me goosebumps. Be proud of your heritage, make it a responsibility to show the rest of the world that we aren't what many have perceived us to be for centuries. We need more people like you, everywhere.
Marvelous. With Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's voice echoing in the background, this song catches the ethos of British brown culture.Nusrat's sadda at the end climaixng with the line "Ooo re bulbul" is the crowning stroke. Hats off.
"Beat me until white was right, not brown" - Wow man, honestly captured how I've felt for a long time, as a kid I never really liked being Brown. I always thought it was somehow a bad thing to be brown and that it was uncool to like Indian food and Indian movies. That I was supposed to act more white. But I realise now that I can't change where I'm from and there's nothing wrong with being brown. Thanks for helping me realise this Riz.
It's 12.21 in Pakistan right now..... The last hour consisted of me listening to the song then reading the lyrics on genius to understand the meaning.... Then reading the lyrics for the rest of the songs.... Coming back and then writing this comment.... God this album is deep and hits me hard. God bless you Riz Ahmed.... Everyone knows this was needed. Thank you.
What a guy!! Scholarship to a private school and then studied PPE at Oxford- the most competitive course at one of the world’s most competitive unis! AND a crazy good singer and actor. What an inspiration.
Riz, I don't know if you know how powerful your work is! I live in Brazil and was always against the Brexit but hear it from your perspective, as a brown man, part of two cultures apart is so so so so much elusive and makes this entire process more real! I am absolutely a fan and wish you keep blessing us with your sight on this history and many more! Lots of love ❤️🇧🇷
Riz you speak words that have not been spoken in decades. An entire generation of our people have grown up in new lands without a voice. You ARE that voice. You have said what we feel, and felt what a lot of us haven't said. This, right here, is your legacy. Don't let the breakup take that away from you.
Riz this is so powerful. It’s starting conversations for those from ethnic minority backgrounds on how they feel living in Britain but also, it’s starting conversations around the world. Thank you for saying our thoughts. I’m using this as an example in my dissertation!! God sent material!! 💖
Ah Riz, as a fellow brown rapper from the subcontinent let me just say that you’re the most inspiring presence one needs to keep pursuing what they do. As someone who also wants to tackle identity politics, internal schisms created by migrations and hate and reductionism, your work provides somewhat of a template to inspire a vision I want to have for my work. I think that legacy, where you have brown kids looking up to you for the kind of nuance and theory you bring to your music so beautifully condensed, is everything. Don’t know if you will read this, but I hope you do. I hope it makes you believe more in what you do. And I hope to one day share the stage with you. Cheers, and love from India ❤️
Can't stop listening to this, The way you don't want to But you can't stop yourself from looking at that car crash. Something hedious and painful But demands to be seen. This just demands to be heard I scroll through my feed But end up playing dis vid.
This is just the best creative work I have heard in a long time. I love it when something makes me feel uncomfortable and this certainly does that. Peace and love to you man.
PURE MASTERCLASS! This is what every rapper should strive to be vocal about .. real issues .. saying what everybody else is thinking and can't really put into words .. hands down the best I've heard on this topic so far. Thank you so much Riz .. we're proud to have you. 🙌
Deep bars! Stay strong soldier you got this! An arrow is pulled back before it springs forward to the target. Everything happenes for a reason Love bro
Riz at his finest. It’s a shame more people can’t appreciate this level of artistry. Thanks for sharing your work. Also, I forget how sick of an actor you are bro!!
Riz..... Everything you create is so beautiful and really conveys powerful messages. Never stop or give in to any haters. You inspire more people than you know 💖
A man with many strings to his bow. Shot straight to the heart as ever. Brother what was studying PPE at Oxford like as a conscious minded young man & West Londoner. What was the greatest thing that course taught you about yourself & about empire?
raaaaaah rah rah, OH MY DAZE AK, WOT! this is heavy blud, man didnt even know wot to do, goosebumps ya na, i was snappin my fingers then i was clappin then i jumped up, then i sat down in awe. thank you.
Subtlety mixed with anger, never thought it could work so well, love this piece. But once you process the anger, what's next for you and Britain? Do you still see a life for you there? Can you see any hope in peaceful living or will the break-up be dark?
Everything from this album is so relatable and sends such an important message. My friends and I have discussed often with our parents how we don't really belong anywhere, that neither the US nor India is like home, and its so great seeing you bring this idea to light and how you're able to reach so many people. I guess I want to ask do you think its possible to find/make a home? Will we be accepted/feel like we belong? And on a lighter note (but also an important question for me) aloo in biriyani, a yes or no?
hey since i relate to this comment (it's a struggle sis😔😔) i thought id answer and say no aloo in biriyani pls (and that's another struggle altogether 😔😔)
My question - what has surprised you most about the reception of the album and/or short film? Just wanted to mention that I really appreciate both the music and the film. Both are incredibly effective in articulating many emotions that I have felt as a Muslim Egyptian born and raised in London. Also the symbolism you've included in your lyrics is incredible!
riz--this is always the hardest track for me to listen to because you make the hurt so real, but then going on to the rest of the album is cathartic as hell. much love and thanks!! i have a million questions but i'm gonna pretend like i have any semblance of chill, so: 1) what did you have to do to get your mom to record "come home"? :) 2) aside from the covid response fund, what other orgs/charities are you recommending locally or internationally? 3) what are you reading/watching/playing for fun lately? thanks again, going back to my work-from-home
My question: How are you? How REALLY are you? I kinda get an idea because at the end of the day you made this album about this topic for a reason. But I would genuinely like to know how you feel. I'm sick of the generic polite answers when asked about this topic. I think the world need raw, pure, passionate answers. So I'm asking you because I think you will serve, as you usually do. Much love. Wishing you a long, fulfilling, inspiring life, Riz.
A tale of Indian subcontinent and the scars left on it by the British rule which started from trade to arbitrarily drawn partition line that has left Kashmir bleeding! beautifully explained
I've played this album on repeat since it's come out. It kills me but also inspires me. I've written something similar to this and "Where You From" a few years ago about the US so this has brought me back to it and reminds me to keep speaking up. Masha'Allah - thank you love. One question: what is that scripture next to you in this video? It might be exactly what I have tattooed!
Thank you so much for this heart-wrenching and essential words. I love how you manage to be at the same time very specific and very universal in your album. I had to search for a lot of references and I'm glad I did, but the grief and anger, the poetry of it, I felt it in my gut. The parts about home and identity hit the hardest Who are your favourite authors ? Were some of them source of inspiration for this work ? Thanks again !! Love from France
I can't stop watching this! First time I watched it, I cried! Riz, you're so amazing! I just purchased "Fast Lava" I'm sure it won't be my only purchase! Thank You Riz for your passion and truth!
Carved a scar down my middle just to leave me stretched out. Referring to the largest mass migration in history, forming two independent countries India and Pakistan.
I've watched this at least 10x and shared widely. This is so so POWERFUL! He's extremely well versed in history and his talent with words shines through in the nuances; every line holds a deeper truth related back to historical facts. I cannot praise this body of work enough👏👏
Riz, This is just amazing! I love this, and all your other songs on the album. What you have done is so remarkable. You were able to put into words what I was confused about my whole entire life. Living here in America, I don't feel my community represented and seeing you be so outspoken about your identity inspires me. Keep being amazing! My questions for you are: 1) how have you coped with doubts about your identity that you have had being desi in Britain? This does reflect in your music, but I just want to hear more about it. 2)What was your family/friends' reaction to the album? I want to take a moment to say you are so brave and reflective. You inspire me and many all over the world. I want you to come and speak at my school LOL.
@riz there is so much I feel connected to this song. You need to expand your creativity to the masses. Your voice emotions feelings needs to be heard globally... Luv ya bruv
"My Kashmir jumper still stained red, man" That line is so layered, I got chills!
As a Kashmiri, my eyes filled with tears
@@nunchai_is_life wow do you live in Kashmir right now?
Everytime
From Kashmir love you Riz
I'm not gonna lie bro, you're the only diaspora writer I've encountered who cuts any deeper than "the white kids at school think my lunch smells weird", this vid and the album as a whole moved me in a way that not a lot of music has. Huge props, the harvard brown community's got ur back.
The day this came out . I needed to find a text to analyze for school. I finally found something. But then this showed up and I knew I had to write about this. As a Ghanaian This resonated some of the sentiments I have but never had the words for. Thank you Riz.
He's put into words what so many of us have been feeling for a while now. You're a real one Riz. This hit me hard.
This is the inner voice of the entire sub continent, especially us Pakistanis. You are so brave, so outspoken and take a clean, precise strike at those powers who hold us down like chains. This gives me goosebumps. Be proud of your heritage, make it a responsibility to show the rest of the world that we aren't what many have perceived us to be for centuries. We need more people like you, everywhere.
Marvelous. With Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan's voice echoing in the background, this song catches the ethos of British brown culture.Nusrat's sadda at the end climaixng with the line "Ooo re bulbul" is the crowning stroke. Hats off.
"Malik ul Mulk" not "o re bul bul".
THOSE EYES SPEAK MILLIONS OF UNSPOKEN WORDS...... SO REAL SO POWERFUL
"Beat me until white was right, not brown" - Wow man, honestly captured how I've felt for a long time, as a kid I never really liked being Brown. I always thought it was somehow a bad thing to be brown and that it was uncool to like Indian food and Indian movies. That I was supposed to act more white. But I realise now that I can't change where I'm from and there's nothing wrong with being brown. Thanks for helping me realise this Riz.
Elderly Infant agree 💗
It's 12.21 in Pakistan right now..... The last hour consisted of me listening to the song then reading the lyrics on genius to understand the meaning.... Then reading the lyrics for the rest of the songs.... Coming back and then writing this comment.... God this album is deep and hits me hard. God bless you Riz Ahmed.... Everyone knows this was needed. Thank you.
What a guy!! Scholarship to a private school and then studied PPE at Oxford- the most competitive course at one of the world’s most competitive unis!
AND a crazy good singer and actor.
What an inspiration.
From colonization to partition in India to brexit all explained flawlessly ❤️❤️❤️
Incredibly moving - great analogy to describe the colonial history.
I heard "My Kashmir jumper still stained red man" and felt a punch in my gut. I paused the video. Still processing it. Take a bow, Riz.
nusrat ji’s voice in the back is the cherry on top to this masterpiece. no words man 👏
Riz, I don't know if you know how powerful your work is! I live in Brazil and was always against the Brexit but hear it from your perspective, as a brown man, part of two cultures apart is so so so so much elusive and makes this entire process more real! I am absolutely a fan and wish you keep blessing us with your sight on this history and many more! Lots of love ❤️🇧🇷
I feel what riz feels and there's many more who feel same
Riz you speak words that have not been spoken in decades. An entire generation of our people have grown up in new lands without a voice. You ARE that voice. You have said what we feel, and felt what a lot of us haven't said. This, right here, is your legacy. Don't let the breakup take that away from you.
This would have so many more comments but I think people are just speechless. Awesome piece.
How can someone explain decades long history in such a subtle manner of story telling with lasting affect? This is next level.
Love from Pakistan.
Riz this is so powerful. It’s starting conversations for those from ethnic minority backgrounds on how they feel living in Britain but also, it’s starting conversations around the world. Thank you for saying our thoughts. I’m using this as an example in my dissertation!! God sent material!! 💖
I love you so much Riz....and I love what you do
Salam from Egypt
Superb! You've spoken the words in every British Asian's hearts, except a 1000 times more artistically 🔥🔥🔥
Riz you’re a legend mate, this hit differently.
Ah Riz, as a fellow brown rapper from the subcontinent let me just say that you’re the most inspiring presence one needs to keep pursuing what they do. As someone who also wants to tackle identity politics, internal schisms created by migrations and hate and reductionism, your work provides somewhat of a template to inspire a vision I want to have for my work. I think that legacy, where you have brown kids looking up to you for the kind of nuance and theory you bring to your music so beautifully condensed, is everything. Don’t know if you will read this, but I hope you do. I hope it makes you believe more in what you do. And I hope to one day share the stage with you. Cheers, and love from India ❤️
RIP Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, your inspiration is far reaching and a perfect for reflection.
Can't stop listening to this,
The way you don't want to
But you can't stop yourself from looking at that car crash.
Something hedious and painful
But demands to be seen.
This just demands to be heard
I scroll through my feed
But end up playing dis vid.
It feels like someone blended Einstein, Rumi and Pablo Neruda together to create gorgeous Riz!
This is just the best creative work I have heard in a long time. I love it when something makes me feel uncomfortable and this certainly does that. Peace and love to you man.
This has blown me away. Speechless. Crazy respect for you.
This isn't rap. This is poetry.
this monologue in the album is my favorite. it so emotional. riz ahmed was multiples talents, and one is make me cry in three minutes and 44 seconds.
Beautiful!!
Could listen to this all day long. Beautiful.
RIZ! From when I saw you in The Night Of I knew there was so much talent there. Love this!
Riz: Brilliant! Beautifully written, directed, acted and amazing cinematography!
Riz: Thanks Riz.
He's a flower bloomed in a dark room. Love from the North West of the US! Keep stackin' & dropin bars. And you fine-fine! 💯
This is deep, especially with that background voice. I want to listen to this acapella with sync all day.
Ommmmggggggg!!! Words can't even put into articulation. So cold, true, raw and representative!
PURE MASTERCLASS! This is what every rapper should strive to be vocal about .. real issues .. saying what everybody else is thinking and can't really put into words .. hands down the best I've heard on this topic so far. Thank you so much Riz .. we're proud to have you. 🙌
Britain's colonial past beautifully put in words
Talking about the time of colonisation and the current state is such a short time is incredible. Always have loved your work
Words cannot describe how powerful this is
Deep bars! Stay strong soldier you got this!
An arrow is pulled back before it springs forward to the target. Everything happenes for a reason
Love bro
Shikwa to allah was written by iqbal while rix Ahmed wrote shikhwa to britain. Fantastic
Riz at his finest. It’s a shame more people can’t appreciate this level of artistry. Thanks for sharing your work. Also, I forget how sick of an actor you are bro!!
This is beautiful on so many different levels. Every line has a story to tell of its own. Beautifully written and performed.
Oh my...Again, no words. Riz, you're just magic.
Right word for 'Shikwa' would be 'grievances' in this case broken-hearted ones...
You're lighting it up bro. Love from Kashmir's Only Friend...
Punching lyrics, super smooth delivery, wow!!
Bro, keep writing and sharing your thoughts with the world.... this is the stuff I live for.... love from Toronto!
Your words are deep and true.
I need a hug after listening to this....
Riz..... Everything you create is so beautiful and really conveys powerful messages. Never stop or give in to any haters. You inspire more people than you know 💖
A man with many strings to his bow. Shot straight to the heart as ever.
Brother what was studying PPE at Oxford like as a conscious minded young man & West Londoner. What was the greatest thing that course taught you about yourself & about empire?
So powerful. Incredible. Brought me to tears. I felt all the emotions and aggression. Thank you.
Oh.. God.. *exhales for a long time*
raaaaaah rah rah, OH MY DAZE AK, WOT! this is heavy blud, man didnt even know wot to do, goosebumps ya na, i was snappin my fingers then i was clappin then i jumped up, then i sat down in awe. thank you.
This will be explored in literature classes in the future
This is incredible 😳 I am SO moved and touched by this. Riz Ahmed you genius 🙏🙏
Uk top billboard charts soon RIZ - Wishes from Dubai
前
wow，这段台词在之前我听时就已经被其中的感情所震撼到了，当时为了弄清楚意思确切的意思我还特地一段段地用软件翻译下来，看了视频之后我起了一身鸡皮疙瘩，与视频的情感产生了共鸣，哥你真的太棒了！You're amazing！！❤️❤️
Subtlety mixed with anger, never thought it could work so well, love this piece. But once you process the anger, what's next for you and Britain? Do you still see a life for you there? Can you see any hope in peaceful living or will the break-up be dark?
Everything from this album is so relatable and sends such an important message. My friends and I have discussed often with our parents how we don't really belong anywhere, that neither the US nor India is like home, and its so great seeing you bring this idea to light and how you're able to reach so many people. I guess I want to ask do you think its possible to find/make a home? Will we be accepted/feel like we belong?
And on a lighter note (but also an important question for me) aloo in biriyani, a yes or no?
hey since i relate to this comment (it's a struggle sis😔😔) i thought id answer and say no aloo in biriyani pls (and that's another struggle altogether 😔😔)
Riz this is legendary stuff..
Thank you so much
Words!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥
Much Love from 🇧🇩 *Sylhet, Bangladesh* . 💖💖💖
My question - what has surprised you most about the reception of the album and/or short film?
Just wanted to mention that I really appreciate both the music and the film. Both are incredibly effective in articulating many emotions that I have felt as a Muslim Egyptian born and raised in London. Also the symbolism you've included in your lyrics is incredible!
This is so powerful. You’re a gem, man.
Incredible incredible incredible. Man that guy is talented.
Goosebumps.... Riz man you are just outstanding.
riz--this is always the hardest track for me to listen to because you make the hurt so real, but then going on to the rest of the album is cathartic as hell. much love and thanks!! i have a million questions but i'm gonna pretend like i have any semblance of chill, so:
1) what did you have to do to get your mom to record "come home"? :)
2) aside from the covid response fund, what other orgs/charities are you recommending locally or internationally?
3) what are you reading/watching/playing for fun lately?
thanks again, going back to my work-from-home
My question:
How are you? How REALLY are you? I kinda get an idea because at the end of the day you made this album about this topic for a reason. But I would genuinely like to know how you feel. I'm sick of the generic polite answers when asked about this topic. I think the world need raw, pure, passionate answers. So I'm asking you because I think you will serve, as you usually do.
Much love. Wishing you a long, fulfilling, inspiring life, Riz.
Phenomenal yet again!!!!
Im going to write my own spoken word inspired by your album riz
Thats great to hear
Amazing work. Thank you Riz. So powerful.
I think I held my breath through it all.
A tale of Indian subcontinent and the scars left on it by the British rule which started from trade to arbitrarily drawn partition line that has left Kashmir bleeding! beautifully explained
I've played this album on repeat since it's come out. It kills me but also inspires me. I've written something similar to this and "Where You From" a few years ago about the US so this has brought me back to it and reminds me to keep speaking up. Masha'Allah - thank you love. One question: what is that scripture next to you in this video? It might be exactly what I have tattooed!
Thank you so much for this heart-wrenching and essential words.
I love how you manage to be at the same time very specific and very universal in your album. I had to search for a lot of references and I'm glad I did, but the grief and anger, the poetry of it, I felt it in my gut. The parts about home and identity hit the hardest
Who are your favourite authors ? Were some of them source of inspiration for this work ?
Thanks again !!
Love from France
I can't stop watching this! First time I watched it, I cried! Riz, you're so amazing! I just purchased "Fast Lava" I'm sure it won't be my only purchase! Thank You Riz for your passion and truth!
Pure gold!
this is talent at its purest form
Thaís Lima gotta agree, I almost cried as I listened, being displaced in a country is as bad as a breakup.
Amazing writer and poet. Beautifully delivered.
Carved a scar down my middle just to leave me stretched out.
Referring to the largest mass migration in history, forming two independent countries India and Pakistan.
This is amazing!
I'm speechless!
I've watched this at least 10x and shared widely. This is so so POWERFUL! He's extremely well versed in history and his talent with words shines through in the nuances; every line holds a deeper truth related back to historical facts. I cannot praise this body of work enough👏👏
this is massive. been watching this five times now and I keep on having the shivers.
Riz,
This is just amazing! I love this, and all your other songs on the album. What you have done is so remarkable.
You were able to put into words what I was confused about my whole entire life. Living here in America, I don't feel my community represented and seeing you be so outspoken about your identity inspires me. Keep being amazing!
My questions for you are:
1) how have you coped with doubts about your identity that you have had being desi in Britain? This does reflect in your music, but I just want to hear more about it.
2)What was your family/friends' reaction to the album?
I want to take a moment to say you are so brave and reflective. You inspire me and many all over the world. I want you to come and speak at my school LOL.
Poetry at its finest!
What an actor!
Damn! This gave me the chills! 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼
Thank you riz ... been waiting for you bro...
I got chills through my body - Ritz what amazing work man
This just gave me chills man... Beautiful and not so subtle ..
@riz there is so much I feel connected to this song. You need to expand your creativity to the masses. Your voice emotions feelings needs to be heard globally... Luv ya bruv
Wow...so poetic
(greetings from malaysia...)
"this will either be the end of me or be the wake up"
Can't wait for this to reach millions of views. ❤️
Amazing have no words to describe how much amazing it is
Unbelievably powerful ❤️❤️❤️
This is so deep, so masterful, and that instrumental gets me dazed in the lyrics
Thank you.This was very beautiful.