Written on a cruise ship in January of 2016, "Who We Are" is a purposeful celebration of identity, family and community. The degree of appreciation that I have for who I am, who I have become and who I am becoming is growing daily. Having learned more about my familial ancestry and spiritual roots, I've grown to a place where I do love a lot about myself and I'm tremendously grateful for those who have contributed to that. I took the risk of writing a completely personal song, referencing my cousins and other family members, and trying to communicate the role that they've played in my life. The hope is that while the particulars may be different, the joy that they memories exude will be transferred. There's even a guest appearance from my nephew who wasn't even a year old, but his voice fit so perfectly--unedited! Musically, I wanted to tap into the inspiration of some of my more funky musical heroes--there are notable nods to Sly Stone, George Clinton and Parliament/Funkadelic. "We are who we are!!!"
It's such a blessing to be who I am
I had to call my momma and I told her
Thank you, ma'am
See, her people made it to where I would have no choice
I was gon' have a wide nose and a decent singing voice
And even though my childhood sometimes seems to be a blur
I had to call my father and I told him, "Thank you, sir"
'Cause I love my brown eyes, even with imperfect sight
And this black hair of mine that curls up really tight
That's who I am, and that's more than OK
So I give thanks to those who made me this way
If you love you the way that I love me
When I call you beautiful, then I know you'll agree
That's who we are
My Grandma Ruby taught down at the school
Then on Sunday morning, she taught the Golden Rule
And as long as I remember, my Granddaddy wasn't ever thin
So he was overqualified to tell me that, Boy, food is yo' friend
See with my cousin Anthony, the fun would never stop
We share a love for basketball, he introduced me to hip-hop
Now the legacy continues, even though I'm grown
It lives in my baby brother, who's got a baby boy of his own
That's who I am, and that's more than OK
So I give thanks to those who made me this way
If you love you the way that I love me
When I call you beautiful, then I know you'll agree
That's who we are
When you think about it, we're really not the same
We should celebrate the differences, let go of the shame
Let me encourage and even challenge if I may
Let's take pride in who we are, lift our heads up and say
That's who we are, and that's more than OK
So we give thanks to those who made us this way
If you love you the way that I love me
When I call you beautiful, then I know you'll agree
That's who we are
We are who we are
We are who we are
We are who we are
We are who we are
Vocals: Mike Hicks
Additional Vocals: Luke Zion Hicks
Rhodes, Wurlitzer, Clavinet, Synths, Programming: Mike Hicks
Drums, Percussion: Terence F. Clark
Guitars: Akil Thompson
Bass: Steve Mackey
Recorded by Casey Wasner at The Purple House
Vocals recorded by James Waddell at Lyricanvas Studio
Additional recording by Mike Hicks
Mixed by James Waddell at Lyricanvas
Mike Hicks is an unique blend of talent and humility rarely found in today’s emerging talent. As an artist, writer, and
performer, Mike is revered as one of the best in the diverse Funk and Soul music scene in Nashville and beyond. Having toured with Keb Mo, Jonny Lang, Rascal Flatts, Lauren Daigle, Little Big Town and more, Mike's current focus is continuing to grow his own artistry....more
Funky, electronic-infused hip-hop from the UK beatmaker; guests include Byron The Aquarius, MELONYX, Juga Naut, Victoria Port, and BODUR. Bandcamp New & Notable Aug 9, 2023
Anchored in Harden's radiant vocals, the Brooklyn ensemble's debut showcases an exuberant blend of ’70s soul, R&B, and psychedelia. Bandcamp New & Notable Jun 14, 2023
JTronius and Maverick Quest team up on this genre-blending jazz record that also features a host of r&b and soul music luminaries. Bandcamp New & Notable Dec 9, 2021
