Blood Orange - Negro Swan

Released in 2018, Negro Swan is the fourth studio album from Devonté Hynes under the Blood Orange moniker, and stands as his most vulnerable and vital work to date. Described by Hynes as "an exploration into my own and many types of black depression," the album provides an unflinching look at the corners of black existence and the "ongoing anxieties of queer people of color." Far from being a solely somber affair, the record is threaded with the concept of HOPE—the lights we turn on within ourselves to help others navigate their own darkness.

Sonically, Negro Swan is a masterfully fluid mosaic. It synthesizes "bedsit" post-punk, desolate dream pop, and low-profile hip-hop soul, all grounded in Hynes’ signature lush production and "buttery smooth" vocal stacking. The narrative is anchored by the wisdom of trans activist and author Janet Mock, whose spoken-word interludes on tracks like "Family" and "Jewelry" create a warm, communal atmosphere. The album boasts an incredible guest list—ranging from Puff Daddy and Tei Shi on the existential "Hope" to A$AP Rocky and Project Pat on the gritty "Chewing Gum"—yet Hynes remains the clear architect, weaving these disparate voices into a singular, transcendent experience.

This vinyl release from Domino Recording Co. preserves the album’s immense dynamic depth across two 180g LPs. The iconic cover art—photographed by Ana Kraš and featuring model Kai "The Black Angel" perched on a car window—serves as the perfect visual metaphor for the "rare and unique" beauty Hynes celebrates throughout the tracklist. It is not just an album; it is a refuge and a "lifeboat" for the marginalized.