Leikeli47 Unmasks Black Womanhood on Acrylic

On her sophomore album, Acrylic, Brooklyn rapper Leikeli47 begins to unveil more of her enigmatic persona. The record is a vivid celebration of black life and love, deeply rooted in her native Bed-Stuy. Leikeli47 uses novelistic details and a gripping flow to paint a picture of her community, highlighting the resilience of black womanhood.

The album delves into themes of matriarchy, independence, and overcoming adversity. Tracks explore issues like toxic water crises and the constant presence of gun violence and drugs. Despite these serious undertones, Acrylic is also a wildly fun album, featuring anthems for a new generation and reinterpreting ballroom and voguing culture.

Acrylic, spanning 19 tracks, also includes a grand ode to historically black colleges and universities. Leikeli47's artistry, while sometimes lengthy, culminates in a powerful statement about respect and visibility for black women. She continues to pull back her mask, leaving listeners with a trail of clues and a profound sense of her evolving voice.