This Month’s Song on Heavy Rotation

For the past month, and even longer, Maurice “Mobetta” Brown’s “Stand Up,” released on his 2017 album, THE MOOD, has dominated my playlist. The song, much like his title track “The Mood,” is an infectious piece of music that has burrowed into my consciousness like few songs in recent memory.

Brown, a New Orleans-based jazz trumpeter mentored by Wynton Marsalis and a sideman for John Legend and Santana, has crafted something that transcends traditional jazz trumpet songs and players. Featuring the legendary Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli, as a vocalist, “Stand Up” demonstrates Brown’s range as an artist, his sophisticated music composition, powerful lyrical choices, and an unmistakable coolness that permeates every measure. The song comfortably blends jazz with the social consciousness of hip-hop.

The song is a politically charged anthem (especially the message of not standing up to false prophets) that resonates deeply for me and I suspect his fans too. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve played this track, and the live performances on YouTube only deepen my appreciation. Brown and his collaborators command the stage, and you see how the song’s energy is embraced by the musicians who are playing with him.

“Stand Up” is more than a catchy tune. Although the song is dated, it’s an iconic call for peaceful protest, delivering messages of hope and resistance. If you’re looking for something that sits comfortably between jazz tradition and conscious hip-hop, you should definitely check out this track.