I May Destroy You Shines Light to Non-Mainstream Artists

HBO has been a platform that gives their audience an introduction to new up-and-coming names in hip-hop through their binge worthy T.V. series. Like Insecure and Euphoria, I May Destroy You is their newest show that showcases fresh non-mainstream artists. This new series takes place in London and gives viewers a look into the nightlife and life of a typical Londoner. I May Destroy You transports us into a whole new world that seems unimaginable. While this show discusses sexual assault and facing that trauma, the music curated to create these honest scenes emotionally invests the audience with the main character Arabella, played by Michaela Coel.

This personal project for Michaela Coel expresses her experience with sexual assault and the healing period it took for her. She wanted to “create a story where there were many different types of sexual assault so that viewers might identify ourselves in the story,” while matching those moments with music that emotionally captivates her viewers. With the help of her music supervisor Ciara Elwis, together they curated the perfect songs that communicated the emotions needed to explain and engage the audience in an authentic way. All while paying homage to up-and-coming and established artists in the U.K.

While using the bustling city of London as the home to this story, the different streets that hold different cultures and vibes creates a space for new music to pop up. Within this city of rich culture, I May Destroy You gives viewers a taste of that culture which has viewers craving for more from these artists. A couple of artists that help the audience understand the London city scene are Little Simz and Sampa the Great. These non-mainstream artists have a vibey authentic sound that has the audience and music-lovers alike dancing along with Michaela Coel as if we were with her in the club.

Even though Little Simz has a couple of songs threaded into the background of this show, “Picture Perfect” is a song of empowerment that embodies the idea of being a badass bi*** walking through life. She uses strong instrumentals in the background to emphasize the strength of the main character throughout the show. Featuring this boss ass woman on the show’s official soundtrack is a testament to Michaela Coel’s portrayal of being a strong woman through the face of trauma.

Another empowering woman to lend her voice to this show is Sampa the Great. She is an amazing songwriter who knows her worth. In her song “OMG,” her lyrics state that she is a queen who doesn’t wait for anyone. She reminds us that women hold the power and should never be undermined when she states, “Wonder what optimum prime is, never underestimate your highness.”

There are so many other amazing artists that showcase their fresh sound throughout I May Destroy You like Tierra Whack and Janelle Monáe but Little Simz and Sampa the Great add to the empowering wave of female hip-hop artists. Queue up some songs from Little Simz and Sampa the Great or watch this series to experience a whole new scene of hip-hop.

By: Tara Bolosan