Pick of the Week: ‘High Class’ by GAWD

This week’s Pick of the Week is “High Class,” a smooth, infectious track from the Los Angeles-based duo, GAWD, comprised of Alayna Rogers and Alana Linsey. These two women are creating the type of sound that doesn’t just catch your ear — it commands your attention. It’s fresh, soulful and rooted in the deep essence of Black music, but it doesn’t rest on tradition. It stretches the boundaries of R&B and future soul, while keeping their message sharp and their vibe immaculate. In short, it’s what the culture needs right now.

GAWD, for those who haven’t heard yet, stands for “Girls And Women Determined,” and it’s not just a name — it’s a mission. They’re here to represent, and their latest project, Cathedral City Supreme, is a love letter to all of us navigating the turbulence of change in life. It’s an album that blends the legendary vibes of Donna Summer’s disco with the harmony of Jones Girls and Floetry, and the cosmic creativity of OutKast. Now, think about that: the elegance of Summer’s vocals intertwined with the experimental genius of OutKast’s sound and the beautiful harmonies of Floetry or The Jones Girls. How could you not be hyped for that?

Their single “High Class,” one of the standout tracks from the album, is a masterclass in how to take tradition and infuse it with modern-day finesse. This track has everything: lush production, warm vocals that hit you like a summer breeze, and a beat that refuses to let you sit still. It feels nostalgic but brand new at the same time, like you’re sitting in a ’70s lounge, but you’ve got your 2024 playlist running in the background. It’s an instant mood-lifter, and it doesn’t shy away from delivering a message about wealth — not just financial, but spiritual and communal wealth.

And let’s talk about the visuals. The accompanying YouTube video is just as stunning as the song itself. It’s dripping in Black swaggy excellence — Afros, natural beauty and a throwback aesthetic that screams ’70s Soho, but somehow feels like you’re watching the future of music unfold. Watching it, you can almost smell the cocoa butter and shea wafting through the air. It’s a vibe, plain and simple.

But it’s not just about their look or sound. It’s the message that’s resonating with listeners. GAWD isn’t just making music, they’re delivering a blueprint for the future. They’ve got that old-school grace, but they’re speaking directly to the now. Their lyrics, their visuals, their vibe — it’s all a testament to the fact that these women are on the cusp of superstardom.

If you’re not already on the GAWD train, what are you waiting for? Catch this wave before it breaks, because Rogers and Linsey are about to blow up in ways that will have mainstream media scrambling to catch up. “High Class” is the sound of the future, served up by two women who are unapologetically making their mark on the game. This is more than just a song—it’s a movement.

If you’re vibing with this, make sure to tune in to The Progressive Underground every Saturday at 6 p.m., where we dive deep into future soul, nu-jazz, deep house, rare grooves and the kind of tracks that keep the culture moving forward.