ON IMAGINATION

A Tribute to Black Art, Black Language, and My Friend Derrick Cobb

by Ebonie Smith

In 2022, when Takeoff, a beloved member of the Migos, was tragically killed, I found myself deeply affected.

Like many others, I struggled to process the senseless violence and the overwhelming sense of loss. But what hit me hardest was the realization of the many forces that shaped this tragedy – the systems that too often place Black lives in harm’s way. After learning of Takeoff’s death, I called a good friend of mine, Derrick Cobb, and we spent nearly two hours on the phone discussing the tragedy. We delved into everything from the social systems that produce such violence to the troubling intersection of Black music and commerce.

We were frustrated by how Black artists, particularly in hip-hop, are incentivized to perpetuate violence and degradation in their music as a means of gaining fame and success. Black cultural expression has long been commodified, manipulated, and shaped to fit societal narratives, often at the expense of the very artists themselves. As we discussed these issues, I felt a deep, undeniable urge to do something—something more than just create another think piece or post online. I wanted to make a statement that was meaningful, that would last. I wanted to use my platform, my art, and my talent to make a difference, to reclaim something that had long been stripped from Black artists: the power of language.

This conversation with Derrick birthed the idea for On Imagination, my poetry album. I knew that I wanted this project to center the voices of Black artists, and more specifically, African-American female poets, whose work I felt was often overlooked or under-appreciated in mainstream spaces. This album would not only be a response to the tragedy of Takeoff’s death but also a means to reflect on the larger issues affecting Black artists in music, culture, and society.

As I began to conceptualize the project, I turned to poetry as a medium to express these complex emotions. The first poem that truly resonated with me was Phyllis Wheatley’s “On the Death of a Young Gentleman.” Wheatley’s precise language and tone spoke directly to the grief I felt about Takeoff’s passing, and it prompted me to reflect on the legacy of the artist. I found myself asking questions I would have wanted to ask Takeoff if I had the chance to meet him. Those questions, though rhetorical, guided the creation of music that captured the raw emotion and sentiment in Wheatley’s words.

In the months that followed, I searched for other poems that were linguistically rich and sonically inspiring.

I wanted to create an album that not only honored the art form of poetry but also allowed for a beautiful, tragic, and cathartic sonic experience. The music would be an exploration of beauty and sorrow, a sonic playground where I could take listeners on a journey through Black culture and Black language.

The road to making On Imagination was not easy. It was filled with challenges, disappointments, and setbacks, but it was also a journey of triumph, resilience, and determination. I began to reach out to artists and collaborators, using my connections at Atlantic Records, The Recording Academy, and everywhere else I could to bring this vision to life. The first vocalist to come on board was the legendary Angela Davis, whose involvement gave the project immediate credibility and significance.

As I continued to build the album, I was fortunate enough to bring in a wide array of influential figures. Former Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot, musician Tarriona “Tank” Ball from Tank and the Bangas, Dawn Richard from Danity Kane, and legendary artists like Roberta Flack, Valerie Simpson, and Divinity Roxx all lent their voices, talents, and energy to the project. The album quickly grew into a collective effort, with nearly 100 individuals contributing to its creation. From musicians to engineers to A&R personnel, the album became a true reflection of the power of collaboration within the Black community.

Yet, despite all of this success, the journey wasn’t without its struggles. The process was grueling, filled with highs and lows, but the most important thing was that On Imagination became a work that lived on as a testament to the power of Black language and Black art. It became an evergreen commentary on the contributions of Black artists and poets and a statement on the commodification of Black music and culture.

In December 2024, my dear friend Derrick Cobb was tragically killed in a car accident, marking the end of his extraordinary life. Derrick was not only a close friend but also a constant supporter of my work and my vision. He was a Black, queer man who championed the work of women, artists of all races, and those marginalized by society. Derrick’s influence was woven throughout the fabric of On Imagination. His unwavering belief in me and my ideas shaped the very essence of this project.

In many ways, On Imagination has become a tribute to Derrick’s legacy. It is our last collaboration, a final gift he gave me through his support, his wisdom, and his love for Black women. I can’t help but reflect on the incredible conversations we had about art, culture, and activism – conversations that ultimately led me to create this album. I never could have imagined that a discussion about Takeoff’s tragic death would lead to something so profound, so impactful.

**As I continue to reflect on Derrick’s legacy, I’ve come to understand the true meaning of On Imagination.**

It is no longer just a commentary on Black music or the commodification of Black culture – it has become a permanent, timeless piece of art that exists as both a tribute to Derrick and a celebration of the power of Black language. This album is dedicated to him and his enduring impact on my life and work.

As we celebrate Black History Month, I encourage you to sit with On Imagination – to truly immerse yourself in the sonics, the poetry, and the spirit of this project. This album is more than just music; it is a meditation on Black art, Black language, and the legacies that shape us. It is an offering, a moment to reflect on the power of words, the resilience of storytelling, and the beauty found within our shared experiences. – Ebonie Smith