G’Ra Asim’s (Baby Got Back Talk) Upcoming Book Will Be Released with a Companion Album by his Newly Formed Boy Band, Uppity

99 Problems Finding the 1: a love story (sort of) out now via Beacon Press alongside Uppity’s debut EP Code Ditching; First single and video “Catch 22”.

ST. LOUIS, MO — G’Ra Asim — assistant professor of English at Washington University in St. Louis and vocalist/bassist of Baby Got Back Talk — will release his new book 99 Problems Finding the 1: a love story (sort of) on August 4 via Beacon Press.  Blending cultural criticism, memoir, humor, and social commentary, the book examines modern romance, loneliness, and emotional survival in the post-pandemic era through what Asim describes as “thinkful wishing” — an effort to imagine a more loving and lovable future. But Asim isn’t stopping at the page. To accompany the release, he has launched a new boy band, Uppity, whose debut EP Code Ditching serves as a musical companion piece to the book. The EP arrives the same day as the book on August 4, while the band’s debut single and video, “Catch 22,” premieres June 19. Featuring lead vocalist Mikiel Peratino, multi-instrumentalist Matty Regan, drummer Joe Grabmeier, and Asim on guitar and lyrics, Uppity teamed with producer John Naclerio — known for his work with Senses Fail, My Chemical Romance, and The Ataris — to craft a sharp, melodic, emotionally charged rock record that mirrors the themes explored throughout the book. “When it comes to heartache, books and bands are a bard’s best balm,” says Asim.  “I wanted to create a multimedia experience for my readers and listeners alike, where reading and rocking are in conversation, and provide multiple points of entry for the audience. If music be the food of love, rock on.” Across Code Ditching, Uppity channels themes of identity, vulnerability, romance, and emotional exhaustion into hook-heavy, lyric-driven rock songs that balance catharsis with wit and urgency. “Like the book, the songs deal with the slings and arrows of loving while Black,” Asim explains. “Black folks are often under pressure to code switch, and as I argue in the book, there’s a lot to be gained from defying that pressure. Sometimes a code is a way of making verboten the very things that need to be said most. Code ditching is catharsis, a way of letting it all out.” To celebrate the launch, fans who preorder 99 Problems Finding the 1: a love story (sort of) can screenshot their receipt, DM it to Uppity, and receive an instant download of Code Ditching ahead of release. With a book, band, and full multimedia rollout converging around the same themes, Asim’s latest project blurs the boundaries between literature and rock music — turning heartbreak, humor, criticism, and community into one interconnected experience. “Catch 22” and its accompanying music video, directed by Brendan McKnight, arrive June 19. The full EP and book follow August 4. Pre-order G’Ra Asim’s book “99 Problems Finding the 1: a love story (sort of)” here. Pre-save Uppity’s single “Catch 22” here. Follow Uppity on Instagram

To request interviews, additional information, please contact Mike Cubillos, Earshot Media, mike@earshotmedia.com. To request a copy of G’Ra’s book, please contact: Christian Coleman at ccoleman@beacon.org.