Creating music from memes, Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, and drinkabir generate laughter and provoke thought with their collaborative single "We Need You Karen," which showcases the inventive spirit of New York City's underground hip-hop scene.
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"We Need You Karen" – Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, & drinkabir
An important aspect of humor is self-awareness; much lightness can emerge from even the most serious topics. Comedy can provide not just an escape but also foster connections, as sharing laughter with someone enhances a sense of closeness through shared understanding. Likewise, music has the potential to create connections, but balancing quality, substance, and accessibility can be quite challenging. Many tracks ultimately compromise on one of these aspects to reach a wider audience and avoid pushing away potential fans.
However, New Yorkers are known for defying social norms, valuing brutal honesty above all. With "We Need You Karen," a trio of up-and-coming New York artists—Abe The Kid, Blkchrist, and drinkabir—collaborate to engage with a tense political atmosphere while maintaining a playful attitude and a disregard for caution.
"We Need You Karen" features Abe the Kid and Blkchrist exchanging verses over drinkabir's production, blending satirical rants with authentic self-reflection. Their lyrics are rich with double meanings and subtle humor that inspire both laughter and deeper contemplation. The production enhances the overall musical experience.
The song begins with a sincere vocal sample, grounding it in a smooth and romantic vibe, only to shift as Blkchrist launches into his verse, which retains some ambiguity before explicitly addressing the purpose of the track: an examination of the 21st Century phenomenon known as "Karens." This archetype is primarily associated with privileged suburban white women who exhibit an unfounded fear of people of color and an over-reliance on police to resolve minor grievances.
In 2020, as society grappled with issues of police brutality, the actions of "Karens" came under intense scrutiny, leading to a nationwide phenomenon as shaky cell phone videos surfaced, revealing the racial profiling faced by Black Americans in their everyday lives. At the core of the issue lies a troubling prevalence of unconscious bias; however, rather than wallowing in despair, the internet—especially Black Twitter—created the "Karen" meme, using humor to combat racism, now manifesting in songs as well.
We need you Karen
Somebody’s outside
And I can’t call the cops
The people watching
Hold me accountable
We don’t f* with opps
We need you Karen
Somebody’s outside
And they’re armed
I’ll keep my phone
Real low
Dial Nine and two Ones
Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, & drinkabir “We Need You Karen” © 2025
To support their new single, Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, and drinkabir collaborated with filmmaker Yoandi Garcia to create a visual representation that complements "We Need You Karen's" imaginative and bold essence. Set in an exaggerated reality reflecting the imagined fears of a Karen facing the perceived threats posed by Abe the Kid and Blkchrist, the video unfolds like a surreal fever dream fueled by paranoia about the Other. Within the insulated American mindset, the appearance of two Black rappers at a doorstep is the worst nightmare for many white suburban residents, where the imagined horrors far exceed any actual threat from a stranger.
The video skillfully illustrates the disparity between expectations and reality. It avoids being overly committed to a single conceptual direction, steering clear of simply becoming a comedic skit or a heavy-handed drama—instead offering a uniquely refreshing mix of absurdity, visually appealing segments, and an accessible narrative. The seamless connection between visuals and music enhances the performers' embodiment of stepping into a Karen's mindset and attempting to grasp and contextualize their existence through her perspective.
When the cop arrives
I’ll give them the finger
Say f* the PO-Lice
But check
on those handcuffs
Just in case they don’t cooperate
I can’t bear the blame
if these badges shoot
And don’t think
Especially if the hand
With the gun
Looks just like me
Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, & drinkabir “We Need You Karen” © 2025
At its core, the topic of "Karen" is gravely serious; while the song contains dark moments and themes, it refrains from falling into defeatism and instead leans towards defiance, channeling a subversive punk rock energy that uses mockery to diffuse and soothe real racial traumas. Though at times edgy, the song is neither aggressive nor malicious, despite what a Karen might interpret upon hearing it. Ultimately, it's an exploration of identity and perception.
This innovative approach to music-making demonstrates the potential of sound as
Creating music from memes, Abe the Kid, Blkchrist, and drinkabir evoke humor and thoughtfulness in "We Need You Karen," a bold collaborative track that showcases the innovation rising from New York City's underground hip-hop scene.
