Robert Glasper has enlisted the talent of Masego for a new song titled “All Masks.” It was co-written and co-produced by Grammy winner Bryan-Michael Cox, who worked with artists like Mariah Carey, Usher and most recently, dvsn.
The drifting new single from Glasper draws inspiration from the new normal as we know it, wearing face coverings to protect us from highly contagious illnesses. Glasper and Masego present a story that offers unhappiness about doing without the smiles that bring light to the world.
The dragging, robotized vocal of Glasper on the chorus is balanced out by Masego’s soothing sound which works against the languid production created. In the second verse, Masego sings, “Some of the masks / Lookin’ like everybody finna to rob the bank / Thought it wouldn’t last / Now it’s year two and I got to hide my face.”
“All Masks” is the first song released from Glasper since Black Radio III, the new album shared in February. It will be included on its expanded edition, due this fall.
Black Radio III, which is Glasper’s proper follow-up to 2013’s Black Radio 2, features a host of artists including Musiq Soulchild, India.Arie, D Smoke, Ant Clemons, Yebba and Tiffany Gouché.
The previously shared Black Radio III singles include “Better Than I Imagined” featuring H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello. It was won for Best R&B Song at the 63rd Grammy Awards.
Most recently, Glasper headlined two categories at this year’s Grammys, including Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Born Again” with Leon Bridges) and Best Progressive R&B Album (Dinner Party: Dessert by Dinner Party).
Since dropping Black Radio III, Glasper has contributed to Alex Isley’s new album Marigold, plus was the brainchild behind the Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa Valley.
The three-day affair takes place July 29 through July 31 at the Charles Krug Winery in St. Helen, California. Maxwell, Chaka Khan, Thundercat, Ledisi, Corinne Bailey Rae, Flying Lotus, Phony Ppl, and many more are set to hit the stage.
As for Masego, he recently teamed up with Tank and the Bangas‘ for “Black Folk,” which featured Isley. That collaboration followed his Devin Morrison-assisted single “Yamz” and “Garden Party” featuring Big Boi and JID.
Additionally, Masego scored a gold certification for “Mystery Lady.” The Don Toliver-assisted track is lifted from his Studying Abroad: Extended Stay project, issued on Capitol Records in November 2020.
Listen to Robert Glasper’s new song “All Masks” with Masego below.