Billy Woods’ ‘GOLLIWOG’: A Haunting Exploration of Trauma and Inhumanity
Billy Woods has once again delivered a powerful and unsettling album with 'GOLLIWOG,' a record that delves into the depths of inherited trauma and societal horrors. Critics are calling it one of the most engrossing and unnerving albums of the year, praising its unique sound design and unflinching portrayal of real-world nightmares.
The album, released via Backwoodz Studioz, is not an easy listen. Its horror aesthetics serve as a stark counterpoint to its tales of inhumanity. Through samples, guest verses, and his own lyrics, Woods paints a bleak picture of CIA torture methods, the vast sums of money hovering over the Gaza Strip, and a class of professionals willing to turn a blind eye to the suffering of the working class. This is not just a collection of songs; it's a **haunted house of an album**, where inherited trauma and state-sanctioned terror reign supreme.
One of the album's standout tracks, "BLK XMAS," paints a vivid picture of a family being evicted just before Christmas, their belongings scattered on the sidewalk, becoming fodder for their neighbors' greed. Woods places himself in the story, forcing the listener to confront their own potential for inhumanity. The chilling lyrics, combined with Sadhugold's corroded piano loop, create a truly unsettling experience. Bruiser Wolf's verse adds another layer of depth, eloquently describing the harsh realities of poverty and the prophecy of dying young.
'GOLLIWOG' derives its name and unsettling cover art from a racist caricature, an exaggerated Black figure that symbolizes systemic racism. Woods uses the golliwog as a metaphor for the black experience in a society that ontologically excludes them. The album's exploration of afro-pessimism is further highlighted in tracks like "BLK ZMBY," a provocative inversion of the zombie myth, and "A Doll Fulla Pins," which conjures images of a life under the constant threat of violence, paying homage to Ralph Ellison's 'Invisible Man.'
Even amidst the bleakness, Woods manages to find moments of beauty. The saxophone on "Maquiladoras," the synth sample on "Pitchforks & Halos," and the dance music-adjacent beat on "Make No Mistake" offer brief respite from the album's overall darkness. However, these moments are fleeting, serving only to amplify the pervasive sense of dread.
The production on 'GOLLIWOG' is diverse and masterful, featuring contributions from Kenny Segal, Preservation, The Alchemist, Conductor Williams, and others. The tracks hum with static and often feel ready to break down into sheer noise, from molten saxophone peals to the buzzing of hungry flies. "Waterproof Mascara" samples a woman crying, layered with crackle and a repeating ghostly melody, creating an incantatory and unnerving effect reminiscent of Toni Morrison's 'Beloved.' "Counterclockwise" sees The Alchemist fusing moody guitars with a vocal sample of Talk Talk's Mark Hollis.
Ultimately, 'GOLLIWOG' is an abrasive and demanding album that offers a singular and thrillingly intelligent vision. It's an experience that will leave you deeply unsettled, but also profoundly moved. As Clash Magazine aptly puts it, the album's final verse, featuring ELUCID, will have you close to tears. Hug your loved ones tight, because 'GOLLIWOG's hostile world is one of nothing but shadows and mosses.
What are your thoughts on Billy Woods' latest offering? Share your interpretation of the album's themes and sonic landscape in the comments below.
