Black music and southern culture not only intersect with deep roots in hip-hop, gospel, jazz, blues, rock — they’re woven into the fabric of a rich, textured history, resiliency, and storytelling; Black music serves as accompaniment for questing, having a storied history in answering higher-callings in those who connect with them. The music created by South Carolina Lowcountry rapper Benny Starr (pictured right) and harmonious singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Rodrick Cliche (pictured left) is the same. Hailed for a live recording of Starr’s solo project A Water Album (featuring band The Four20s) at Charleston Music Hall, Benny Starr and Rodrick Cliche joined talents and birthed the innovative partnership, Native Son.

Free Times historically named Benny Starr’s A Water Album “SC’s Best Album” in 2019. Starr is more than his musical accolades; he is someone who cares greatly about his community. He wants to be known as a truth-teller — one who stands on the side of people. Cliche, too, is no stranger to moving a crowd. He grew up playing in the church, and aligned with Raphael Saadiq through a close mentorship, where he was given opportunities to work and tour with artists like Joss Stone, D’Angelo, and Common (to name a few). Cliche’s debut album “Zero Point Energy,” was released this year.

Formed in 2020, Native Son is redefining what it means to create music that captivates audiences, while engaging with beloved community. Their hope is that listeners feel both familiarity and inspiration; that their songs serve as soundtracks to experiences — providing the impetus to connect with cause, striving, and rootedness in deeper senses of self within the context of culture. Native Son’s music serves as a guide that navigates and catalogues histories, the beauty of their South Carolina communities, and the proximate and emerging possibilities of their people.

Director Statement

We approached the creation of Restoration with a deep love and sense of connection to our elders. By weaving together a musical love letter of lyrics, sounds, and textures, we aimed to honor the resiliency, self-determination, and spiritual fortification that our Black Farmers have always embodied— even in the face of injustice. In a sense, the stage became our acreage, allowing our collective of musicians to plant the seeds that would lift our Farmers' voices and connect the multi-generational thread of Black creative and agrarian genius.

Our anger was expressed through drums and brass. Our empathy conveyed through keys and strings. The sins of this country continue to haunt its hollow rhetoric of freedom and equality.

As first time filmmakers, we hope that what we created is as much of a coming together as it is an artistic offering. Our Black Farm Families can never be made whole again, and while their justice has been both delayed and denied, we are here walking with them on this journey towards Restoration.