​City Parks Foundation: SummerStage 2016
Saul Williams
​Review by Shay Butter: The Poet 
August 17, 2016
​Marcus Garvey Park

​There is the reason why you won't get any great pictures of Saul Williams new stage show…

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Earlier this year, Williams debuted his new album Martyr Loser King; seeing this album come to life on stage is a phenomenal audiovisual experience. I had the pleasure of being in the audience at his SummerStage performance, under a clear summer night sky at the Marcus Garvey park- coincidentally on Marcus Garvey's birthday. I certainly wasn't not prepared for what Saul was about to deliver....

It seemed Williams wanted to give us (the audience) more than just his voice, unleashing a lyrical montage of his wordsmithery served on a platter of Afrobeat, Techno. Hip-Hop, Rock infused melodies. Williams’ words were now upfront and personal while Williams himself played the background. All that could seen of Saul was a shadowy form dancing to the sounds and chanting saying things like “THESE MOTHER F@#$KERS DON'T WANT TO BACK DOWN AYE AYE  AYE,”  while the abstract images and statements that were social and political in nature flashed across the huge screen on the darkened SummerStage.

Williams unapologetically offered up sublime agitation, stirring up, instigating and invoking emotions with a truly unique audiovisual presentation. If you're a true fan of Saul Williams, you would already know this is not far from his norm and you will be pleasantly thrilled that although he has taken on a new approach to displaying his craft, he has continued to remain consistent with his raw and defiant nature. If you are unaware of Williams’ work, be forewarned that his content is not for everyone.

Great Job Saul!!

​The album Martyr Loser King is available now on Spotify.