courtesy of The Radio Revival
The Black Lives Matter movement may have just found its theme song – compliments of Janelle Monáe and some of her label mates.
The relentless and punctuating sound of snare drums open the anthem “Hell You Talmbout” with urgency. The song features Monáe’s entire Wondaland Records roster: Monáe herself, Jidenna, Roman GianArthur, Deep Cotton, St. Beauty and George 2.0.
Each artists takes turns chanting the names of black people killed in incidents involving law enforcement, such as Sandra Bland, Michael Brown and Freddie Gray. Each name is followed by a repeated refrain of “Say Her Name” or “Say His Name,” which coincides with the hashtag created to raise awareness.
“This song is a vessel,” Monáe explained on Instagram. “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?
