VV Brown returns from six-year hiatus with new single "Black British"

27 March 2023, 12:12 | Written by Tyler Damara Kelly

(News)

(V V Brown)

British artist, mother and activist VV Brown returns with her brand new single "Black British" and shares news of her first live performance in over a decade.

After taking a six-year hiatus to focus on her mental health and focus on raising her children, "Shark In The Water" singer VV Brown is back with "Black British" on her own label YOY Records.

The song had its first play via Lauren Laverne on 6 Music this morning, and is inspired by Brown's exploration of her earlier childhood influences such as J Dilla, Erykah Badu and Common, as well as British records by Roots Manuva, Soul to Soul and Omar.

Speaking of the hiatus, Brown says: "The last six years have been a difficult mental health journey for me, but I came to the realisation that I need music to feel alive. Now that I live in the countryside, it feels liberating to create without that industry pressure."

Brown adds, "Art should make you feel, whether that’s feeling uncomfortable, empowered, happy, sad, scared, inspired. There is a radical power in the role of the provocateur and this was one of the motives for this record."

To celebrate the release of "Black British", Brown will perform for the first time in a decade on 23 May at The Lower Third. Tickets are on sale now via dice.fm.