Hear Gorillaz’ Synth-Heavy New Song ‘The Apprentice’

Gorillaz listen to the “distant voice” inside their heads on “The Apprentice,” a bonus track from the upcoming deluxe edition of their fifth LP, Humanz. Singers Rag’n’Bone Man and RAY BLK appear on the lightly funky, synth-heavy track, highlighted by rapper Zebra Katz’s vivid verse: “Yo, new black king, New York dream/ Tell these motherfuckers everything I’m seeing,” he boasts. “My world’s darker than the young black dream/ Of the first black prince of a new white king.”

To promote Humanz, Gorillaz’ virtual members Murdoc Niccals and 2D joined BBC Radio 1 DJ MistaJam for their first-ever live, on-camera interview. The “musicians” ”“ voiced by Phil Cornwell and Nelson De Freitas, respectively ”“ answered fan questions about their new LP, outside April 28th.

In March, Gorillaz previewed Humanz at a secret London concert, and they briefly premiered the album via their “augmented reality” app. The carton crew have also released several other new songs: “Hallelujah Money” (featuring Benjamin Clementine), “Andromeda” (featuring D.R.A.M.), “Saturn Barnz” (with Popcaan), “Let Me Out” (featuring Mavis Staples and Pusha T), “Ascension” (featuring Vince Staples) and “We Got the Power” (with Savages’ Jehnny Beth).

Humanz also features guest spots from Danny Brown, De La Soul, Even Everett, Anthony Hamilton, Grace Jones, Kelela, Jamie Principe and Kali Uchis, among others.

The group recently announced a North American tour ”“ their first since the promotional trek behind 2010’s Plastic Beach ”“ that commences July 8th in Chicago.