Tomorrow Kings Return with “No Brands” and Announce First Album in 12 Years, SALT
Photo Credit: Carlo Liou at Rise Above & Prosper
Chicago-based rap collective Tomorrow Kings share the striking new video for their single “No Brands,” taken from their upcoming album SALT — their first full-length release in 12 years — out November 7th via Buenaventura Records. Following lead single and album opener “Regicide” (feat. Ava Moman and Brittany Townes), “No Brands” delivers an anthemic critique of an industry that forces artists to choose between marketability and authenticity.
“‘No Brands’ is the Tomorrow Kings style: abstract, heavy, full of wit and commentary, free flowing yet calculated,” says Tomorrow Kings’ SKECH185. “All of America’s absurdities in under 4 minutes.”
Nearly two decades into their career, Tomorrow Kings remain one of progressive rap’s most forward-thinking collectives, known for their world-building lyricism and experimental edge. Formed in 2007 by some of Chicago’s most inventive yet underrecognized talents — including SKECH185 (Backwoodz Studioz, War Church), Collasoul Structure and I.B. Fokuz of Jyroscope, Malakh El, Gilead7 (VirgoTwins, Expanded Art Records), and IL. Subliminal — the crew quickly drew attention through their high-concept mixtapes and intense live performances.
Their acclaimed 2013 debut, N**** Rigged Time Machine* (produced by Vyle), cemented their reputation as visionaries. As The Source wrote, “If by the end of listening to the project, you haven’t questioned something in your life or the society that surrounds you, you need to listen again.” A remix album followed, featuring contributions from E L U C I D, Uncommon Nasa, A.M. Breakups, AF THE NAYSAYER, and more, alongside an array of powerful solo works.
Now, with SALT, Tomorrow Kings return sharper than ever. Written and recorded during the 2020 quarantine, the album takes its title from a substance symbolic of both survival and destruction — a reflection on the forces shaping the communities from which the group emerged.
“There is an unmistakable feeling of isolation that is difficult to avoid,” says IL. Subliminal of SALT.
Featuring guest appearances from Defcee, Curly Castro, D2G, and the late Chicago legend Jason Gatz, SALT is a dense, fearless statement that reaffirms Tomorrow Kings’ place as one of the most vital collectives in modern rap.
Pre-order SALT (2xLP vinyl, digital)
For Chicago fans, Tomorrow Kings will celebrate the release with a special hometown show at Schubas Tavern on Thursday, December 18th. Tickets are available now.
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