Luisteren: Janelle Monáe brengt ijzersterke #BlackLivesMatter protestsong uit

A day after debuting the track at a Black Lives Matter march in Philadelphia, Janelle Monae has released a searing new protest anthem called “Hell You Talmbout,” which involves Monae and the rest of her Wondaland Records slate chanting the names of African American victims of police violence. Here’s what Monae had to say about the song on Instagram: “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?”

Anna Silman in Janelle Monáe introduces powerful #BlackLivesMatter protest song: “This song is a vessel. It carries the unbearable anguish of millions” (Salon)