KATANI on harnessing their message in their first music video “Kodak Mellow-nin” - The ALT Weekly
November 01, 2017
The rap duo KATANI has dropped their very first music video for their latest remix “Kodak Mellow-nin.” The mix takes from Cardi B’s fiery chart topper “Bodak Yellow” swapping in lyrics that strengthen the pair’s message–to use the platform of well-known hits to remove themes of misogyny and discrimination from hip hop culture while promoting positive themes of inclusion and empowerment.
Their new video– filmed by Jamel Mosely and edited by KATANI’s own Kat So Poetic–was born out of a delightfully serendipitous chain of events. They had written and recorded the song in record time and when it came to filming, every aspect of the project fell into place seamlessly....
Singer-Activist Taina Asili Enlists Lila Downs, Immortal Technique, Talib Kweli & More For '¡Viva Puerto Rico!' Benefit Album - Billboard Magazine
October 23, 2017
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Broadway World and more.
A bevy of well-known Puerto Rican, and other Latinx and Black artists released a benefit compilation album on Monday (Oct. 23) to raise funds for Hurricane Maria victims in Puerto Rico.
The album, titled ¡Viva Puerto Rico!, was organized by New York-based Puerto Rican singer-activist Taina Asili, and features previously released music from 20 rising and renowned musicians, including Public Enemy's DJ Johnny Juice, Grammy-winning singer Lila Downs, hip-hop icons Immortal Technique and Talib Kweli, punk band Downtown Boysand indie stars Hurray for the Riff Raff, among many others.
"I am a musician, but first and foremost, I am an organizer, and felt pulled to use what I had at my disposal to organize for Puerto Rico," Taina Asili tells Billboard.
Femme on the front: facing gender oppression in the music scene - The Alt Weekly
October 04, 2018
Proving one’s value as an artist is a constant part of the game for musicians like KATANI. Particularly when, across genres, local music bills and festivals seem to consistently be dominated by white straight males. For the female, femme and gender nonconforming artists in the Capital Region scene, stereotypes and misgivings can hold them back from presenting their art as their male counterparts are able to do.
Even within their own groups, artists find that their ideas are put on the backburner or their presence becomes the butt of a joke. But with limited representation on stage and a seemingly endless presence of talent watching from the crowd, local artists continue to fight for equal space and inspire more female, femme and gender nonconforming artists to take the stage beside them.
With so few female artists to work with, groups like KATANI or Cannon the Brave’s twins and bandmates Whitney and Ally Smith, team up in creative solidarity with family and friends...