Athens, Georgia-based rapper, linguist, activist, parent, and politician Mariah Parker (they/them) aka Linqua Franqa will release new album Bellringer on April 22 via Ernest Jenning Record Co. Weaving a rich tapestry of hip-hop lyricism and neo-soul hooks, Parker uses music as a tool to communicate – and educate – across cultural boundaries, imbuing every song with a sense of urgency and keen social consciousness.

From the first beat, new single & album title track “Bellringer” (Feat. Jeff Rosenstock) is an aggressive stomper with percussive beats that pay homage to the 90s hip-hop legends. The song brings listeners back to the moment Latasha Harlins entered the Empire Liquor Mart the day she was murdered. It imagines Latasha’s inner monologue, including a mental plea for the store owner to see that she and Latasha are more alike than different. Having witnessed regular domestic violence at home prior to her death, the second verse nods to the ways that trauma like Latasha’s manifests: hot temperedness, antagonism, substance abuse, and belligerent boasting.

Photo Courtesy: Sean Dunn