Mykki Blanco

Singer-rapper Mykki Blanco teamed up with R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe for their latest single, “Family Ties.” “‘Family Ties’ is the first song where I sonically found my voice and I mean that in a very literal way,” Blanco said in a statement. “It’s the first song in my entire career where I am singing, I don’t rap.” [embedded content][embedded content] Blanco continued: “I wrote this song about the relationship between my ex-boyfriend and his father that has had bouts of mental illness. When the person you love is going through a situation that you can’t alter in any way, or help or be active in trying to correct it not only hurts them but it hurts you. I think the core meaning of this song is compassion in the face of helplessness.” The saxophone-seared ballad was produced by Falty DL ...