We would join Barkaa’s cult if she was the preacher!
Words by Tristan Field
Photo courtesy of Tristan Edouard
The Big Tidda has released another banger, ‘PREACH’ , the iconic Blak artist’s 2nd single released for 2024.
Produced by the legend himself: NERVE, Barkaa hits this track right out of park, giving herself the biggest self praises throughout her journey and sending a clear message to her “haters”.
There are a plethora of reasons to be hooked on this song; from the overall tasty production elements to Barkaa’s striking lyricism. What really stands out for me is the hook but… I mean of course it does, it’s Barkaa. She commands us and she always has, the way the hook itself breaks down, draws you in and then hypes you right up to break out, really elevates this whole track into an anthem that will continue to hit hard.
You can’t help but imagine how much this song will go off at one of Barkaa’s live shows and is definitely one for the rotation.
BARKAA shared: “Preach is a big fuck you to anybody who still doubts you today and doubted you yesterday. It’s about having a voice… that we’re allowed to bignote ourselves and be loud in our successes and achievements. That I don’t have to stay in the bucket the colony put there to drop my people in. I made it out of that bucket so I can come back and kick it over. I got a new team, I turned over a new leaf and got rid of people not only in my personal life, but in my work life, who were doing me wrong. This clip is a reminder that I ain’t done. It’s takeover season for Blak artists in this country and we ain’t getting the wool pulled over our eyes anymore. If they try, they’ll fuck around and find out.”
Since the release of her debut single “For My Tittas” in 2020, BARKAA has swiftly climbed to one of the most respected voices in so-called Australia’s hip-hop community. That same year, BARKAA was named PUMA Rookie Of The Year Award by Acclaim Magazine, and has since been touted one of the top rappers in the country by triple j and Red Bull. BARKAA’s journey as an artist not only encompasses her musical prowess but sees her work underpinned by a dedication to advocate for her First Nations community, amplified through her collaboration with Mackridge on “22clan”. Her debut EP, Blak Matriarchy celebrated Blak motherhood across six tracks of powerful manifestation, and scored accolades from the likes of The Guardian, Rolling Stone Australia, NME, 10 Magazine, features from triple j, community radio and more.
From featuring in Vogue Magazine, Need For Speed and NBA2K to live performances including Listen Out, Groovin The Moo and Sissy Ball for last year’s Sydney WorldPride, BARKAA continues to rise to new heights. With two ARIA nominations to her name, as well as winning Song of the Year for “King Brown” at the National Indigenous Music Awards, Record of the Year and Best Video at the FBi SMAC Awards for Blak Matriarchy, BARKAA is claiming her position as “the new matriarch of Australian rap (GQ)”.
Convert to the First Church of Barkaa with “PREACH”
“PREACH” IS OUT VIA BAD APPLES MUSIC
