Gorillaz bring on ScHoolboy Q for a tribute to the classic “PAC-MAN” arcade game for the British virtual band’s latest Song Machine addition that premiered Monday (July 20).
Gorillaz co-creator and Blur musician Damon Albarn layers his low vocals over the electro-pop beat that fits the tone for his character Stuart “2-D” Pot’s addicting nine-hour game. His pupils ultimately transform into various PAC-MAN ghosts as he sings the blues about feeling trapped and failing to level up in the world.
The LA-based rapper activates himself in his home studio when 2-D monotonously repeats in a loop, “I’m stressing out,” amplifying the G-funk beat as he raps about feeling held back from his dreams, representing his roots (“I represent my flag, I gave the hood my last,” he states) and making the most of life.
“PAC-MAN” is the fifth song from Gorillaz present Song Machine, a short series of episodes featuring new songs from the recording studio. The British outfit previously released “Momentary Bliss” with slowthai and Slaves; “Désolé” with Fatoumata Diawara; “Aries” with Peter Hook and Georgia; and “Friday the 13th” with Octavian as part of Song Machine‘s first season.
Watch the Jamie Hewlett-directed “PAC-MAN” video below.
