The Long Goodbye from rapper/actor Riz Ahmed is a breakup album between a man and his country. You were expecting a man and his lover, but not from Riz Ahmed.
As written by Alexis Petridis of The Guardian, “The Long Goodbye – a conceptual work based around the idea that British Asians are locked in an abusive relationship with the UK and that the rising tide of racism spawned by Brexit might represent the moment at which they’ve finally been dumped…”
Riz opens up on the subject matter of The Long Goodbye in his press release, “It’s a breakup record about being dumped by the country you call home…in this climate of ’immigrants out!’ it’s about that feeling of being kicked out of a house that you built.”
The personal message is delivered on Ahmed’s own label Mongrel Records truly allowing him to say and do what he creatively wants.
The Long Goodbye Film
The thought provoking album is purposeful and something Riz intended to release. He effortlessly balances his duel career of music and acting not allowing the quality of either to falter. In fact, this project is not a standalone album, it is accompanied by a short film of the same name.
The Long Goodbye Show
It doesn’t end there! Ahmed will be performing a live theatrical show called Riz Ahmed: The Long Goodbye this spring. March 26-28 productions can be seen at the Manchester International Festival. Then April 3-4 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York.
Tracklist
The Long Goodbye Tracklist:
01. The Breakup (Shikwa)
02. Toba Tek Singh
03. Fast Lava
04. Any Day (feat. Jay Sean)
05. Can I Live
06. Where You From
07. Mogambo
08. Deal With It
09. Karma
It’s always commendable when artists take a mainstream platform to sound off on politics and immigrant struggles. Thank you Riz Ahmed for being true to you and your journey.