Gorillaz Drop a Soul-Stirring Anthem with 'The Manifesto' – But Is Blending the Living and the Dead in Music a Stroke of Genius or a Bit Too Bold?
Hey there, music lovers! Imagine a track that fuses vibrant beats with a touch of the afterlife, pulling together artists from across the globe and beyond. That's exactly what Gorillaz have unleashed with their latest single, "The Manifesto," straight from their upcoming album The Mountain. Released on October 8, 2025, this song isn't just another release – it's a bold musical statement that might just redefine how we think about collaboration in hip-hop and beyond. But here's where it gets controversial: featuring a posthumous freestyle from the late Proof of D12, alongside the fiery Argentine rapper Trueno, it raises eyebrows about ethics in sampling voices from the past. Stick around, because this is the part most people miss – the deeper layers of cultural fusion that make it a must-listen.
At its heart, "The Manifesto" showcases Trueno, the rising star from Argentina known for his raw energy and clever wordplay, teaming up with a freestyle verse from Proof, the talented D12 member who tragically passed away in 2006. This isn't just a nod to hip-hop history; it's a resurrection of sorts, using recordings from Proof's early days as a rapper to add an unexpected layer of nostalgia and grit. For beginners diving into Gorillaz's world, think of it as a virtual band led by cartoon characters like 2D and Murdoc, but with real-world collaborations that blend genres seamlessly. And this is the part most people miss: the way it honors Proof's legacy while pushing boundaries, potentially sparking debates on whether it's respectful or exploitative to remix voices of the deceased.
But the track doesn't stop there – it's a veritable feast of global talent, expanding the sonic palette in ways that feel both innovative and inclusive. You'll hear the mesmerizing sarod playing of brothers Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash, whose traditional Indian instrument adds a haunting, melodic depth. Then there's the lively Jea Band Jaipur, a renowned Indian wedding band with roots in folk traditions, bringing infectious rhythms that could make you want to dance at a festival. Bansuri player Ajay Prasanna contributes ethereal flute notes, evoking serene landscapes, while the Mountain Choir, led by the talented Vijayaa Shanker, delivers choral harmonies that elevate the whole thing to an epic, soulful journey. It's like a world tour in one song, perfect for newcomers who might not be familiar with these instruments – imagine the sarod as a stringed cousin to the guitar, but with a richer, more resonant tone that tells stories from South Asian music history.
In a press release, Gorillaz's fictional drummer Russell Hobbs shared some poetic wisdom: "As space dust we are here forever and that’s a mighty long time. This is a musical meditation infused with light. A journey of the soul, with beats…" It's a reminder that Gorillaz aren't just about catchy tunes; they're crafting experiences that ponder existence, time, and unity. For those new to the band, this quote encapsulates their quirky, philosophical vibe – think of them as modern-day philosophers disguised as a virtual group, always experimenting with sounds to provoke thought.
The Mountain kicked off with "Happy Dictator," a track featuring the eccentric duo Sparks, known for their theatrical pop sensibilities. And the album's lineup? It's a who's who of eclectic artists, including the punk energy of Idles, the soulful storytelling of Kara Jackson, the conscious rap of Yasiin Bey (formerly Mos Def), the Middle Eastern grooves of Omar Souleyman, the sitar mastery of Anoushka Shankar, the lyrical prowess of Black Thought, and posthumous contributions from the legendary drummer Tony Allen and the late Mark E. Smith of The Fall. As a follow-up to their 2023 album Cracker Island, The Mountain promises to be even more adventurous, blending genres like hip-hop, world music, and indie rock into something uniquely Gorillaz.
But here's where it gets controversial: with so many voices – living and departed – woven together, is this a beautiful tribute to musical diversity, or does it risk diluting individual artists' legacies? Some fans might argue it's innovative, like sampling history to create new art, while others could see it as a slippery slope toward over-commercializing grief. And this is the part most people miss: how collaborations like these challenge us to rethink ownership in music, especially when technology lets us "resurrect" talents like Proof or Tony Allen.
Jazz Monroe, a sharp music and culture writer based in London, penned this piece. His insights have graced pages in The Guardian, The Independent, and more – always digging deep into the stories behind the sounds.
What do you think? Does featuring posthumous verses honor the artists or cross a line? Is Gorillaz's global mash-up a fresh take on unity, or just chaotic? Drop your thoughts in the comments – I'd love to hear if you're team tribute or team tradition!
