Navy Blue, the moniker of rapper, model, and skateboarder Sage Elsesser, has spent the better part of five years meticulously crafting his latest full-length album, Sir Render. While Elsesser avoids declaring it his definitive work, the project stands as a cumulative snapshot of his artistic journey throughout the 2020s. Every word and instrumental choice on the record has been considered with a level of diligence that reflects his growth as a songwriter.
The Art of Efficiency
The writing on Sir Render is marked by a newfound clarity and efficiency. Elsesser credits this shift to a desire to embrace simplicity, noting that “simple is a strength.” He draws inspiration from the late Ka, whose ability to utilize silence and space between moments profoundly influenced his approach to pacing. “Give the listener time,” Elsesser explains. “I like jarring stillness. I like when a shot is held a second too long.”
This minimalist approach is framed by spoken-word interludes featuring James Earl Jones, who narrates passages from Richard Wright’s Native Son. The inclusion of Jones—a relative of Elsesser’s through his grandmother—adds a layer of historical and personal weight to the album, serving as a poignant tribute following the actor’s passing.
“I’m a film person; I like jarring stillness. I like when a shot is held a second too long. If we were to sit here and just look at each other and not say anything – who’s gonna be the first one to break? I want to push that moment.”
Reflecting on Geography and Growth
The album explores internal psycho-geography, with Elsesser mapping his journey from his roots in Los Angeles to his creative blossoming in Brooklyn. Collaborations with Earl Sweatshirt highlight these shared bonds, while his friendship with Na-Kel Smith underscores a mutual evolution as both artists transitioned from skateboarding to music. “Nak is somebody that I’ve always looked up to,” Elsesser says. “I feel like we come from that kind of tribe of, ‘here’s a snapshot of my life presently. This is how I’ve grown.’”
Independence and Artistic Integrity
Reflecting on his time signed to a major label, Elsesser expresses gratitude for the experience but confirms that independence is his preferred path. “I make music from my heart for the people that it’s meant for, and when it’s funneled through the computers and all of that stuff, a part of it dies,” he admits. For Elsesser, Sir Render is not just an album; it is a testament to the necessity of trusting one’s own creative instincts and accepting the complexities of the human experience.
