MUCH GIVEN, MUCH TESTED
After first collaborating on a 7” release back in 2023, Richmond, Virginia rapper BlackLiq and producer Dub Sonata are back with a collaborative LP titled Much Given, Much Tested.
The 13 track album is Liq's most introspective work to date. He dives deep into his past in ways he's never previously done, telling stories he's kept to himself until now over complementary production from Dub. They feature a diverse list of guests including Atmosphere’s Slug, Napoleon Da Legend, fellow Richmond emcees Nickelus F & Noah-O, scratches by Tone Spliff, a rare vocal contribution from multimedia artist Michael Alan Alien, and additional production by Evening Elevator.
The artwork designed by Nadeneco takes inspiration from the "washing of the feet" ceremony as its starting point, and depicts a journey of the human experience. Emotions and stories woven throughout the course of life are expressed in Much Given, Much Tested through song, color, and composition.
The album releases exclusively on Bandcamp 5/2/25 and is available on limited edition olive green vinyl and CD. It arrives on streaming platforms via Soulspazm a week later on 5/9/25.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
BlackLiq is a songwriter, radio host, journalist, promoter, author, mentor, teacher in public and private schools as well as juvenile detention facilities and universities, and TEDtalk speaker. During the Civil Unrest of 2020 he was interviewed and quoted by Washington Post, NPR, and TIME Magazine.
Liq has released numerous projects on Strange Famous Records, Anti-Corp Music, Man Bites Dog Records, joint albums with producers Ohbliv and Mopes, and recently appeared on Atmosphere’s album WORD?
Dub Sonata’s discography includes LPs with Double A.B., Nejma Nefertiti, and Muja Messiah, and features recordings with Roc Marciano, Evidence, Scram Jones, Sean Price and Tragedy Khadafi. Notable production credits include Sage Francis’ “Once Upon A Blood Moon,” Jidenna's “Feng Shui,” and Rhymefest & Queen Latifah's “Goin In.”
Outside of music, his photography work has been published by National Geographic, The US Department of the Interior, Outdoor Photographer, and Rizzoli Books.