Yesterday, Janelle Monáe and members of her Wondaland Records imprint lead a march in Philadelphia against police brutality towards black citizens.
Now the art collective have released a new song titled ‘Hell You Talmbout’ that features each member taking turns chanting the names of black victims of police brutality including Freddie Gray, Sandra Bland, Michael Brown, and Trayvon Martin over a propulsive drum line.
Listen to it and read a statement released with the song below.
This song is a vessel.
It carries the unbearable anguish of millions.
We recorded it to channel the pain, fear, and trauma caused by the ongoing slaughter of our brothers and sisters. We recorded it to challenge the indifference, disregard, and negligence of all who remain quiet about this issue.
Silence is our enemy. Sound is our weapon.
They say a question lives forever until it gets the answer it deserves…
Won’t you say their names?
