Written and recorded years ago, but released amidst a global resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement, Ziggy Ramo carves out his own space on his vital and eloquent debut album, Black Thoughts.

Through 16 tracks of lyrical storytelling and jazz-inflected, golden age hip hop, Ramo details his experience growing up Aboriginal in so-called Australia. Ambitious, multifaceted and full of pride, Black Thoughts is a must-listen.

After taking out the 2020 SMAC Award for Record of the Year, listen to Ziggy take a deep dive on the album, its origins and its impact below.

Cameras by Steven Lattuca, Sammy Pinto, George-Alex Nagle and Samuel McEwen.
Edit by Steven Lattuca.

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