Gorillaz Just Dropped a New Album. And a Deep Dive Into Its Black Collaborators.

Gorillaz, the world's most famous animated band (and probably the only one with an eight-minute, hand-drawn film following them through India), recently unleashed The Mountain. It's their latest sonic adventure, and if you're a fan, you know what that means: a whole new crew of collaborators bringing their unique flavor to the mix.

Because for 25 years, Gorillaz hasn't just been a band; it's been a sprawling, genre-bending universe. Damon Albarn of Blur and Jamie Hewlett of Tank Girl fame cooked up this virtual supergroup, and since then, it's been a revolving door of legends and up-and-comers. We're talking everyone from Dennis Hopper to Carly Simon to half of The Clash. Lou Reed, Beck, Vince Staples, Bad Bunny — the list of people who’ve lent their genius to 2-D, Murdoc, Noodle, and Russel reads like a very cool, very eclectic party guest list.

The Black Artists Who Shaped the Sound

Now, a new playlist is shining a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible Black artists who've been integral to the Gorillaz sound. This isn't just a side note; it's a core part of their identity. Think hip-hop, soul, Afrobeat, R&B — the very backbone of modern music.

Past icons like Bobby Womack, Mavis Staples, De La Soul, Snoop Dogg, and Mos Def (aka Yasiin Bey) have all left their indelible mark. Little Simz, the lyrical powerhouse, not only graced "Garage Palace" but also joined them on tour. Del the Funky Homosapien gave us those unforgettable rap vocals on "Clint Eastwood" and "Rock the House," while Bootie Brown brought the heat to "Dirty Harry" and "Stylo."

The Mountain continues this tradition, featuring current heavyweights like Black Thought and Jalen Ngonda. And because Gorillaz loves a good archival pull, you’ll also hear the timeless contributions of late legends Tony Allen and Bobby Womack. It’s a reminder that good music, like a good story, just keeps on giving.